Staff at the Victorian Racing Club are set to take industrial action just days out from the start of the Melbourne Cup Carnival.
The Australian Workers Union confirmed to Betsy their members, believed to be track and maintenance staff, would hold a “stopwork” on Wednesday.
The VRC kicks off their biggest week of the year on Saturday with Derby Day, followed by the Melbourne Cup on Tuesday.
The VRC told Betsy that Wednesday’s 24-hour stoppage would have no impact to Flemington operations.
Betsy has been told while the bargaining process between the VRC and AWU had been constructive, that a recent change of union organiser mid way through the process has led to ‘backsliding’ on discussions. The club has sought the help of the Fair Work Commission in a bid to return to ‘constructive bargaining’. The parties have a follow up meeting on Wednesday in a bid to resolve the dispute.
“Wednesday’s 24-hour stoppage will not impact Flemington operations, and we are thrilled to welcome record crowds for four great days of world class racing, fashion, food and entertainment,” a spokesperson said.
“We have made a very favourable offer which provides increased terms and favourable conditions, including an annual increase of 3% over the next three years to employees who are currently paid more than 40% above the Award on average.”
The AWU said their members want a 4% pay-rise, while the VRC had offered 3.
“The AWU can confirm that our members employed at the Victoria Racing Club have given notice of a 24-hour stopwork on Wednesday 29 October. This action follows extensive negotiations for a replacement enterprise agreement since the nominal expiry of the current VRC and AWU Agreement,” an AWU statement said.
“Our members are seeking a 4% per annum wage increase over what will be a three-year agreement. This claim reflects the significant cost-of-living pressures our members are facing, particularly in the context of the sacrifices they made during COVID, including accepting a wage freeze. The VRC’s current offer is 3%.”
“While some progress has been made on other matters during negotiations, the parties remain apart on key issues. The VRC has sought assistance from the Fair Work Commission to help resolve the outstanding matters, with a conference scheduled for 29 October.”
“Our members have demonstrated their commitment to reaching a fair agreement, including voting on multiple enterprise agreement proposals put forward by the VRC. However, these proposals have not addressed members’ concerns around fair wages in the current economic climate.”
“The AWU remains committed to reaching a resolution that recognises the vital work our members do in maintaining world-class racing facilities.”
AWU’s Metro Organiser, Steve Bonica, told Betsy the decision to take the action wasn’t taken lightly.
“Taking strike action isn’t something our members do lightly, but with the VRC offering just 3% against cost-of-living pressures, they’re prepared to stand firm for the 4% they need,” he said.
