No Kentucky Derby Day Strike for Churchill Downs Valets
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Photo: Anne M. Eberhardt
Valets at Churchill Downs April 30, Kentucky Oaks Day
The valets who saddle the horses and ensure compliance of racing regulations at Churchill Downs decided late April 30 that they will proceed with work May 1, Kentucky Derby Day.
The valets at Churchill Downs and Churchill Downs Inc.-owned Turfway Park are seeking a new contract.
Had the valets gone on strike Derby Day, the pari-mutuel tellers were going to join that strike. The tellers and the valets are both members of Service Employees International Union Local 541.
Churchill spokesperson Tonya Abeln said the track owner has offered a 6% increase in pay for 2022 and 4% for 2023 as well as increased pay for Kentucky Oaks Day, Derby, and holidays, including an Oaks/Derby bonus. She also said that Churchill can't agree to the staffing levels because the number of horses being entered isn't in Churchill's control. Even though staffing levels aren't anticipated to change, Abeln said Churchill must be able to adjust if something unexpected occurs in terms of field sizes.
HALL: Valets Have Option to Strike
Ultimately the Churchill valets decided to work the most important day of the racing year.
"With the world's eyes on the Kentucky Derby, we want to thank everyone for their support in the fight for livable wages, dignity, and respect for the valets at Churchill Downs," SEIU said in a statement. "The valets have made the incredibly tough and selfless decision to put this event and the entire community above themselves, and the leadership of SEIU Local 541 respects that decision. The valets will continue to work the Kentucky Derby with the same commitment, passion, and dedication that they always have, and this union will continue to support them in their pursuit of a fair and just contract."