Workers of the world unite
The role of stable staff is arguably one of the least glamorous in our industry yet is also arguably one of the most important.
The work is physically demanding, the hours are certainly anti-social and it is unlikely you will become wealthy.
The Victorian Stable Workers Movement is a fledgling organization but one rapidly gaining traction across the major training tracks in Melbourne .........
https://www.racenet.com.au/news/stable-staff-unite-to-form-group-20180815
A very, very interesting and eye opening read of the comments below that story.
I remember working in stables when I was a teenager for $6 a week and the work was 24/7 you couldn't even leave the stables without permission, you got every second Sunday afternoon off but the other strapper had to double up and do your work and the next Sunday when you were on and he was off I had to double up and do his work.....up at 3.am ride a dozen horses work, then back to the stables to feed and dress the horses(brush and clean the sweat off them) clean out the Stables , sweep up, there was always something to do............and I loved it.....I would have paid them for the privilege........but they took advantage of my passion for horses, no doubt about that.....and they still are....you could only do this job if you had a passion for it....the hours are killing and the pay is a pittance
like all industries the big industry/Trainers will benefit by a large increase to stable workers........cos they can afford it and small trainers will struggle and go out of business, then their horses will go to the big trainers, who will just get bigger than they already are......they need to find a way where the industry pays and not individual trainers....not sure how to do that but small trainers would already be struggling, they can't afford it and they can't increase their training fees substantially as they don't have rich owners....still you can't expect stable workers to carry the can for the industryAs I've said many a time, there are people working in country areas in NSW and all other states who do not earn much above subsistence wage.
There is no superannuation. The wages are extremely low but people just love their horses that much that they are willing to suffer it - and are being exploited for that.
There is something weird going on in society when things like "gay marriage" get politicians from both sides popping champagne when the legislation is passed yet when it comes to their fundamental duty in protecting those paid the worst wages under shocking conditions they are nowhere to be seen.
I think a fair proportion of the POCT should go direct to those registered under a scheme like Mr Gardner's proposal in the Racenet article.
The correct thing to do would be for the various state racing administrative bodies to lobby their governments to improve the lot of the lowest paid in our industry.
These people have zero advocacy and the right thing to do would be for bodies like Racing NSW, RVL, RQ, etc. to provide that missing advocacy. Or alternatively support people like Rob Gardiner who put their hand up to help out.