Governor
Andrew M. Cuomo today announced a labor contract agreement between Local 3 of
the International Brotherhood of Electric Workers (IBEW) and the New York
Racing Association (NYRA) that will help ensure the Belmont Stakes can be held
this weekend.
"I
am pleased that by coming together, NYRA and IBEW Local 3 have been able to
forge a labor contract agreement that helps allow the much-anticipated Belmont
Stakes to be held this weekend," Governor Cuomo said. "With the
potential for the nation's first Triple Crown in more than three decades, this
year's Belmont Stakes holds particular excitement for horse racing fans here in
New York and
across the globe. I applaud the negotiating units on both sides for their hard
work and commitment in reaching an agreement."
NYRA
President and COO Ellen McClain said, "We are pleased to announce that
after several days of intense negotiations, The New York Racing Association,
Inc (NYEA) and IBEW Local 3 have come to an agreement for the maintenance and
assistant starters bargaining units. Now, together, we can focus exclusively on
this Saturday's Belmont Stakes and I'll Have Another's historic attempt to
become the first Triple Crown champion since Affirmed in 1978."
Christopher
Erikson, Business Manager, Local 3 IBEW, said, "The Local 3 Negotiating
Committee should be commended for protecting not only the jobs of their
members, but their pension and welfare benefits as well. This has been a
difficult time for NYRA. Thousands of much needed jobs, good jobs, are
dependent on the success of New York's
racing industry and this agreement will ensure the labor harmony necessary to
be a part of that success."
The
agreement addresses all major economic issues, including shift schedules,
benefits for active employees, as well as pension and retiree medical benefits.
This extends NYRA's contract with IBEW Local 3 through February 28, 2014.