The Ontario Racing Commission (ORC) has initiated a plan of action which makes every effort to ensure that the adjudication and officiating of horse racing continues if tis unionized employees choose to strike. A vote was held by AMPACEO, the union that represents some ORC employees, on June 26 and June 27. The union has declined to announce the results of the vote.
Although neither the employees nor their union have informed the ORC of any plans of labour disruption, the employees will be legally
entitled to commence a strike at 12:01am on July 5, 2012 subject to ORC unionized employees having voted in favour of a strike. A strike could take the form of a total or partial withdrawal of services.
The ORC Administration wishes to reassure members of the racing community that it is in a state of preparedness. The ability to continue racing under these
circumstances will require the cooperation of racetrack management, horsepeople and their associations.
Officiating of Racing
Manager, supervisors, and other trained individuals will act as racing officials during
scheduled racing.
Investigation and Due Diligence
There will be no disruption of ORC investigations functions, as these positions are not represented by the union.
Adjudications and Hearings
Receipt and acknowledgement of Notices of Appeal to a panel of Commission will be maintained. Hearings will be scheduled
as necessary based on urgency.
Licensing
License applications will continue be accepted but may be processed at a later day
Veterinarian Services
The ORC Supervisor of Veterinarians is also not represented by the union. As well, the Official Veterinarians at each track are not ORC employees and not affected by this action.
The ORC is in negotiations with AMPACEO and will continue to bargain in good faith. The ORC has been candid with the union about the financial circumstances of the ORC in light of the changes to the industry.
Communication with the racing community will be mainted during this period, including updates when appropriate on the status of the negotions.
John L. Blakney
Executive Directory
There are 60 Full-time ORC staff; of this total, 40 are members of AMAPCEO
There are 34 part-time staff; of this total, 28 are members of AMAPCEO
More from Canadian Thoroughbred:
