The union representing assistant starters at the New York Racing Association tracks of Belmont, Aqueduct, and Saratoga has informed NYRA that its members will strike on Belmont Stakes (G1) day June 11 if their demands over health insurance benefits are not met, Thoroughbred Daily News reports.
Recent discussions between NYRA and Local 3 of the International Brotherhood of Electric Workers failed to reach a solution on the issue and the union served NYRA with a Notice of Intent to Strike.
TDN reached out to union representative Robert Olenick, who refused to comment.
NYRA spokesman Pat McKenna told the publication that NYRA has negotiated in good faith throughout the process.
“The same cannot be said for Local 3 IBEW, who have now resorted to threats and intimidation tactics to extricate themselves from a contract agreed to by both parties that has been in place for more than a decade,” McKenna said. “NYRA is committed to achieving an equitable solution, but it is unfortunate and counterproductive for the union to threaten to intentionally disrupt the Belmont Stakes.”
Contingency plans call for bringing in non-union starters on Belmont Day.
To read the full story at thoroughbreddailynews.com, click here.
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