NHL labor talks under way on 4th straight day

NEW YORK (AP) - The NHL and the union have begun a fourth straight day of talks in an effort to end a lockout that threatens the entire season.

Negotiators returned to bargaining Friday morning, getting an earlier start than in previous days. A union spokesman says there will be multiple meetings between the sides during the day to discuss collective bargaining matters.

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman and players' association executive director Donald Fehr spoke publicly Thursday night after talks ended. Neither provided details on what was discussed or if progress was made.

This is the fifth time in seven days there have been negotiations. The 55-day lockout has forced the cancellation of 327 regular-season games, including the New Year's Day Winter Classic in Michigan, and ensured that a full season won't be played.