But the union representing state employees who work at the horse-racing track are not so sure this will be the end of it. They have been trying to secure 130 work days for six employees, but so far the Collinsville horse-racing track has balked because the Illinois Racing Board has only granted a maximum of 52 race dates at the track next season.
So you dont see a problem with the union wanting its workers to get 130 work days during a proposed 52 day meet? Regardless of the Arbitrators decision a union is supposed to look out for its members best interests which if it insists on 130 days wont be. Cause there wont hardly be any meet and then they will get three days.
In September, the racing board awarded the track 52 dates under the condition that state workers represented by AFSCME Local 1805 work 130 days at the track, due an arbitrator's prior decision back in September. Recent negotiations between the track and union has left a proposal for 75 working days during a 52-race season.
It sounds like the state (racing board) just passed the buck to the track and let them worry about the issue despite the fact these are state employees.
In Collinsville, Illinois Horseman's Benevolent and Protective Association Executive Director Lanny Brooks said the union has declined 75 work dates in previous negotiations. He said he does not know about any other proposals.
"I don't know if they're doing that," Brooks said. "I had a conversation with one leading negotiator, and he told me early on everyone realized that 130 isn't the number, but 75 isn't the number."
So getting paid for 75 days when there is 52 days worth of work isnt enough?
Bowen said the major issue in arguing for more work days is that the state workers need to work 130 days, which is the same number of days they worked at the track last year, to receive health insurance coverage.
Again these are state employees, not Fairmont employees. Why Fairmont should be forced to spend the extra money so that state employees get health insurance is a good question.
"Again, we're offering up to 75 days of work for 52 days of live racing," he said. "We think it's extremely generous."
Most people would think the same especially when the alternative may be 3 days which would in effect probably be a 97% cut in pay.
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