Pari-Mutuel Clerks Say They Will Honor Derby Day Picket Line At Churchill Downs If Valets Go On Strike Sponsored by:
Handicapping on Kentucky Oaks day at Churchill Downs
The pari-mutuel clerks employed by Churchill Downs Incorporated in Louisville, Ky., announced they will honor the Churchill Downs valets picket line, if they decide to strike on the day of the Kentucky Derby. The absence of 200 pari-mutuel clerks at the Derby would shut down hundreds of betting stations and disrupt the money-making engine of Churchill Downs Incorporated.
SEIU Local 541 s Executive Board President Don Vest said: “The pari-mutuel clerks stand in full solidarity with valets who have been patiently waiting for a fair contract since last fall. They have informed the valets that they will honor the picket line if they choose to go on strike tomorrow.”
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LOUISVILLE, Ky. Ronnie Shelton won’t even say the word “strike.” The Churchill Downs valet, who is leading the charge for a new contract between the track and the workers who make each race possible, is hopeful that the “worst-case scenario” can be avoided.
What You Need To Know
Valets at Churchill Downs are fighting for a new contract with the track
Valets perform essential and often dangerous work preparing jockeys and horses for races
The union representing the valets has authorized a strike should workers decide they need one
Valets are asking for an increase in their $109 day rate
Derby Week Disruption? Still No Progress On Contract Between Valets, Churchill Downs Sponsored by:
Scenes from outside Churchill Downs as labor unions protest the lack of contract between CDI and the valets
After a weekend of protests with community and labor allies calling on Churchill Downs to do by right by its employees, the Licensed Racing Valets who are essential to the Kentucky Derby s success are still without a contract and say they are willing to do whatever it takes to hold the hugely profitable company accountable. Protests and demonstrations are expected to continue this week.
Historically, Derby Week generates tens of millions of dollars in revenue for the Louisville business community and the entire Commonwealth. Labor unrest and disruptions could greatly reduce the amount of revenue for local area businesses, virtually all of which were harmed last year when Derby Week was cancelled on account of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Churchill Downs Valets Still Without Contract and Warn of Kentucky Derby Disruptions focusdailynews.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from focusdailynews.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
LOUISVILLE, Ky. About 50 union workers and supporters stood in the rain outside Churchill Downs Saturday afternoon, demanding the racetrack agree to a fair contract with its valets as it heads into Kentucky Derby Week.
Members of SEIU Local 541, the racetrack employees union, say the track s valets have been working without a union contract since November after the previous five-year agreement expired.
A statement from the group said the situation could result in major disruptions during Kentucky Derby Week.
David O Brien Suetholz, union attorney, said Churchill Downs canceled negotiations Thursday after the valets unanimously rejected their last best offer. This is a corporation that just take, takes, takes, and we re asking for members of our community who are essential to the races we re asking for just a semblance of justice in their contract, he said.