Race Tracks, Mutuel Clerks Reach Tentative Accord on Contract

California race tracks and the union representing more than 2,000 pari-mutuel clerks have reached a tentative contract agreement that could have the experienced personnel back punching tickets by Wednesday.

Leaders of the Service Employees International Union, Local 280, have called a ratification meeting for Monday morning at the Hyatt Airport Hotel near Hollywood Park.

Race tracks have been using replacement clerks since April 29, when the previous contract expired and negotiations stalled over a proposed wage freeze and increased vesting requirements for health and welfare benefits. Informational picket lines have been up at tracks and satellite betting sites all week long.

The 39-month contract to be presented to the union membership includes a one-year wage freeze and small daily increases in the second and third years.

The race tracks wanted clerks to work 220 days to become eligible for benefits, up from the 180 days of the previous contract. According to the new contract, the figure would remain at 180 days through the first year, then increase to 195 days for the remainder of the pact.

“We both looked at the problems of the other side and tried to make some movement,” said Jim Smith, president of the American Horsemen’s Quarter Horse Assn. and head of the California Federation of Racing Assns.

“I’m just glad it’s over,” Smith added. “The patrons have been really great. Now it’s time to get back to normalcy.”