PARI-MUTUEL EMPLOYEE'S GUILD

LOCAL 280

NEWSLETTER, JULY 7, 2006

PRESIDENT

RICHARD CASTRO

Union members have the right of representation anytime that they are called into an investigatory interview that MAY LEAD TO DISCIPLINARY ACTION. Recently a fair number of clerks have been disciplined because they failed to ask for a Union paid Officer, Director or Acting Business Agent during one of these meetings. The right of Union Representation was announced in a United States Supreme Court Ruling in 1975 often called the Weingarten Rights.

If you are called into a meeting and it appears it could result in disciplinary action, demand to be represented by Union. Management understands this right of the member and should honor the request.

I know members are still experiencing tote problems: stuns, lost tickets, ticket cutter problems, faulty screens, bet card problems, and these need to be reported. On every line there should be a sheet to write these problems up. They are getting reviewed by Mutuel Management (yes they want this information), your Union Executive Board, California Horse Racing Board Commissioners and Tote Management because they want to be certain all problems get addressed. THE ONLY PROBLEM WITH ALL THIS, IS THAT OUR CLERKS, STO’S, AND TOTE TECHS ARE NOT WRITING UP EVERY PROBLEM NO MATTER HOW SMALL IT MAY SEEM. We need to get this information documented. If these reporting sheets are not on your line, tell the Business Agent. If they can’t get it done, call the office and report it to Jim Correll.

Recently you had an opportunity to fill out what was a very important Survey. Only 385 were returned in a timely manner which I found very disappointing. I had expected over 800, and if that had been done, I would have followed this Survey with a mail-in ballot for our membership to stay a stand alone SEIU Local as we are today. Low response means members don’t care, and that isn’t really what I believe reflects the majority of

our membership. You can expect such a ballot regarding SEIU Jurisdictional shuffling of Locals in probably less than two years.

But if the response isn’t there, the response that I feel the great majority wants to stay a stand alone SEIU Local 280 as we

Are today, with low voter participation, I can’t predict what this local could end up as. Your vote counts and no matter how hard this Executive Board works for you, what really matters is what the majority of the membership desires. An active membership really makes our job much easier.

Summary of the Survey was as follows: (1) Stay in SEIU: Yes 343, No 8 (2) Choice of: International SEIU 271, Teamsters 68, UNITEHERE 5, (3) Desire a Union Rep on the job site: Yes 272, No 54, Calling Office for help ok 67 (4) Past two years have you contacted a Union Officer for help: Yes 305 (5) Check all that applies: How do you get Union related information: Newsletter 323, Word Of Mouth 210, Executive Board member 107 Website 93 (6) Where do you want your Pension held: SEIU 342 (overwhelming), Prefer 401K Yes 86, No 83. Many wrote comments, far too many for me to put in the newsletter and to those who took the time, the Executive Board says thanks!

You may have seen recent news articles that the CA Racing Associations are trying to bring in a new betting terminal that looks and acts like a Slot Machine. Recently while at the State Capitol in Sacramento, Percy Ives and I had an opportunity to participate in a lengthy demonstration put on by Rick Baedeker. This terminal is set up as a different form of Pari-Mutuel wagering designed to make it easier for newcomers to get introduced to horse racing.

Assembly Bill 2409 authored by Leland Yee (San Francisco) if passed by both State Houses and signed by the Governor will make all this happen. When the opportunity arises, I will need all the help I can get (letter writing, phone calls) to help get this Legislative Bill passed.

You have probably heard that SEIU has granted UNITEHERE all the new gaming jobs in California. This Local has been fighting that issue for over six years, so why do we want this Legislation to pass?

One reason, it is expected to bring more patrons to the track. If this is correct, more money will go into race purses, which will bring more horses back to California (full fields). Larger fields, will mean more money bet and for us that will mean more terminal operator jobs.

There is another reason for us to support this Legislation, and that is: these new terminals will mean more jobs and new classifications of work. Just last week, Jim Correll and I were on a conference call with representatives with UNITEHERE negotiating for this work. I don’t have it in writing, and probably won’t get it in writing, but UNITEHERE has agreed to let us have this new work. They don’t have the time to organize, and have stated they would prefer to see this new work be union jobs, rather than non union. UNITEHERE has agreed as an organization not to oppose this Legislation, and as of June 30, 2006 have kept their word. What also has occurred, in this Legislative Bill today (6/30/06) is language similar to Simulcast Wagering Legislation that the historical union has the right to negotiate for same or similar classification of work! In addition, representatives from Santa Anita, Golden Gate, Bay Meadows, Hollywood Park and Del Mar, plus Commissioners from the California Horse Racing Board, representatives from the California Thoroughbred Owners Association all desire to have our membership get these new jobs.

This has been a long, hard effort by your Executive Board to come this far working for the benefit of the membership and the Industry. Very soon we will need membership

participation writing letters, making phone calls helping to get this legislation passed.

The Northern CA Fairs have been silent on us getting jobs. As of this date, the Northern CA Fairs have refused to grant us additional money for support to increase the number of simulcast races….we asked to raise the Sunday Premium in Northern CA to $65.00 which we thought was reasonable.

We have run into another snag with the Collective Bargaining Agreement. There are some new Internal Revenue Service Rulings that we are in conflict with. Now that we have what changes need to be done, we will soon be getting back with management and work out solutions. One such problem has been the ‘Permit' classification of worker. This person doesn’t pay union dues, doesn’t get union benefits, doesn’t have a seniority number and thus we need to add language that specifically states ‘Permits' are excluded from the Collective Bargaining Agreement. These are the kinds of snags that need to be corrected before we can send the document to the printer.

SECRETARY TREASURER

JAMES CORRELL

It’s that time of the year when everybody who wants to work can at least work every weekend. If not at the nearest facility to them, at least at the host track. Before the advent of the satellite facilities in 1985, if you wanted to work, you had to drive to a race track. Now you can go to a location and work on land that may not have seen a horse since the early 1900’s. Whether the satellites are good or bad for horse racing, really doesn’t seem to matter, because they are not going away.

Every three years in October, there is an election of the Executive Board. All of the representatives of your local are elected at that time. The next scheduled election will take place in October of 2007. Besides the President, Secretary-Treasurer and Vice-President’s, the Sgt-at Arms and Executive Board members are elected at that time. This last election, no one wanted to be the Sgt-at–Arms in either Northern or Southern California so the President appoints someone at the meeting to act as one if there is a quorum.

The Executive Board members are workers and members just like you. They sometimes work right next to you and then give up a day a month to come to meetings to discuss, hear, learn, and decide to what to do about their and your industry and jobs. There are only seven of them, Jack Cascio, June Gee, Steve Gressett, Jeff Jacobson, Steve Mesenburg, Ruthelen “Coco” Wright and Patty Valenzuela. Before them were Guy Matlock, and Rick Bassett, Joe Stellino, Rusta McConnaughhay, Lorraine Carpinella and Gordon Johnson and many others. Steve Mesenburg began as a Board Member in the early 1980’s. Some Board Members became officers of the Guild, and some after serving one-term decide not to re-run. For their time and effort as a Board Member, they usually receive a meal during their time at the meeting and are suppose to receive a $1.00 per year. Not much compensation for the time and effort these members donate to the betterment of both your and their union, especially when members grab them and ask them questions all the time. The next time you see these members you might want to thank them for the work they do for you.

DUES ARE DUE JULY 1^ST, AND IF NOT RECEIVED BY JULY 31^ST ARE SUBJECT TO A $200.00 FINE.

I understand that those who attended the Northern Retirees luncheon in early June had a nice time. The Southern California Retirees luncheon will be held on October 4^th at Santa Anita. Tickets can be purchased for $5.00 each with a two ticket maximum per retiree, which will be refunded to you when you attend the luncheon. Additional tickets may be purchased for $40.00 each. Please contact the Guild after August 6^th for tickets, and send your payment in along with the proper amount and a stamped self-addressed envelope.

The Guild has movie tickets for sale. Both AMC and Regal are $6.00 each. The Guild also has See’s candy 1 lb certificates for sale at $10.00 each. These may be purchased by sending in the correct amount to the Guild along with a stamped self-addressed envelope. The Guild also has discount cards and coupons available to you for the Long Beach Aquarium, Magic Mountain, San Diego Zoo and Wild Animal Park, Sea World, and Universal Studios.

SOUTHERN VICE PRESIDENT

DOUGLAS KEMPT

PARI-MUTUEL CLERK TRAINING

About 30 new permits were trained at Hollywood Park, and all worked over the weekend. A special thank you to those who helped recruit and train the new clerks. Thank you to Hollywood Park for funding the training classes. We may train again at Del Mar some time after the meet starts. Keep letting us know if you have people who would like to be a mutuel clerk.

HOLLYWOOD PARK TO INSTALL NEW MAIN TRACK

At the most recent CHRB meeting, Hollywood Park announced plans to install a new synthetic Main Track that is expected to be safer on horses and riders. The cost of the project is expected to be around $8 million, so this tells me that Hollywood Park is not ready to go away just yet. The CHRB has passed a rule forcing California Tracks to install these “Synthetic” surfaces as a way to decrease injuries, and increase our field sizes. We applaud Hollywood Park for leading the way in this effort.

TEAM EFFORT AT HOLLYWOOD PARK NABS A THIEF!

A grab and run theft at Hollywood Park in the Casino area was video taped and the thief was caught! Hollywood Park Casino and Security need to be commended for their swift response to a clerk who had money grabbed out of their box. We got lucky when the culprit actually came back into the Casino and was spotted by the Poker Room Bet Runners and confirmed by Hollywood Park Casino Video Surveillance. Security held the thief until Inglewood P.D. came to arrest the suspect. Make sure to keep your money box secure and safe when you are away from your window on your breaks.

DEL MAR BUS SAME AS LAST YEAR

The bus to Del Mar will again run daily from Santa Anita with a stop at Los Alamitos. The fare will remain $15/day roundtrip. Here are the tentative schedules for departure times (please be early and have your fare ready). Departure times may be adjusted to traffic, watch for changes:

Date Depart Santa Anita Los Alamitos

Opening day 07/19 9:00 am 9:45 am

Thurs. 7/20 9:45 am 10:30 am

Fri. 7/21 11:00 am 11:45 am

Sat. 7/22 9:15 am 10:00 am

Sun. 7/23 9:15 am 10:00 am

Mon. 7/24 9:45 am 10:30 am

DEL MAR OPENING DAY/ ALL REPLACEMENTS NEEDED AT DEL MAR!!

Any clerk, who is currently on a replacement list at a satellite during the up-coming Del Mar meet, is asked to work at Del Mar on Opening Day, July 19, 2006. You may return to your satellite on Thursday, July 20 without reprisal.

Any Night-Time clerks may work at Del Mar on opening Day as an extra and return to your night worklist on Thursday as well. DEADLINE IS 12:30 PM Opening Day!

You can pick up “Aloha Shirts” on Tues. 07/18, from 11:30am to 1:00pm on Mainline 1, or come early on Opening Day.

DEL MAR 2006 MANDATORY/GUARANTEED DAYS (On-Track only):

Wednesday, July 19 Opening Day Deadline 12:30pm (Mandatory/Guar)

Saturday, August 05 Sports Bag Giveaway Deadline 1:00pm (Mandatory/Guar)

Sunday, August 20 Pacific Classic Deadline 12:00pm (Guaranteed)

NEW MEET APPLICATIONS

When you start a new meet (like Del Mar 2006), you need to fill out a new application at the Host Track. California State Law requires employers to have up to date information on their employees. To make life easier for all involved, when you report to work for a new meet (like Del Mar 2006) at the host track, please be prepared to show your CHRB License, Passport, or CA ID and a Social Security Card. You are required to show your CHRB License when entering the facility. We all need to help make this arduous process as easy as possible, so a little patience and preparation on your part can go a long way. If you need to renew your CHRB license at Del Mar, the CHRB Licensing office will open on Thursday 07/13 at Del Mar.

YOU CALL THEM, DON’T WAIT FOR THEM TO CALL YOU

At some of our smaller satellites, many of our replacement clerks will not show up unless someone calls you to come into work (i.e. Satellite Manager, ABA, other clerks). I can understand that you do not want to come in unless you know there is a good chance you will work. However it is your responsibility to call in three hours before the first post if you are available to work that day. This will assist your ABA in knowing who to call if someone has called off that day and replacements are not usually available. The only certainty is if you do not show up for work, you will not work. If you make yourself available, you might be surprised how many days you can work at the smaller satellites.

EVERYONE GETS A RAISE!!

Your new contract specifies a wage increase for all Union clerks of $.45 cents/hour beginning with Opening Day Del Mar 2006. Next year (Del Mar 2007) your raise is $.50 cents/hour, with another $.50 cents/hour in 2008(beginning Del Mar 2008).

DEL MAR WEEKENDS HISTORICALLY BIG!!

We again expect that weekends and holidays at Del Mar will require all the help we can get to take care of our anticipated big crowds. Please do what you can to work the weekends at Del Mar so we can keep this great meet going. If you have to take a day off, please try to take a weekday off so that we will be able to replace you and not lose a job.

NORTHERN VICE PRESIDENT

NATALIE GIBSON

Stockton is over. Thanks to all the clerks who worked under excruciating heat. The handle was way down for the meet because of the heat. Pleasanton has started. First day last on was 1467. Second day 1496. We expect to go higher on the weekends. Thanks to all of you we met the requirements so far. Vallejo first draft should go around 1300. Santa Rosa, we have not received the requirements as yet, but a good opportunity to work the whole meet.

It is your responsibility to get your name on a list as soon as possible. When you hold out for the 72 hour deadline you are preventing others who have their names on a list from moving within the 72 hours which results in them missing a day of work before they can find out where their number fits. Show a good example to your brothers and sisters. Get your name on a list.

Members whose seniority numbers fit the regular work list may not sign in as a replacement at that location. These members will be considered weekend holiday employees only. I am asked this question constantly.

When returning to work after you have called off, you must call back on. Weekend employees, when work cycle has been broken must call back on. Example: work Saturday, off Sunday. You must call on next Saturday. One again clerks need to be reminded not to exchange money.

The biggest problem is that some clerk are exceeding or taking the wrong breaks. Management has been running logs to confirm. The disciplinary warning notices are going into your files. Take your assigned 15 minute breaks.

Clerks are not to eat at the windows and not allowed to use cell phones behind the lines. Some of you are complaining when assigned to a certain area and it is getting out of hand. Please stop. There is no seniority at the windows. Take your assignments and be thankful you are working. A big thank you to all of you who show up on the big days. So far we have met the requirements thanks to local 280 members for making us look good.

I attended the R and R Committee meeting and they are working hard to come up with a dues structure. If you have any input let the committee know.

It is important to keep your check stubs, for your tax returns and your pension contributions as these can be used to correct errors. I suggest you obtain a pension estimated. You can get the form from any acting business agent or get in touch with me and I will see that you get a form.

If you know someone who is interested in becoming a terminal operator, please furnish them with an employment application. There should be weekend work for the northern fairs this summer at some locations.

Sorry to hear the Manny De La Campa lost his sister. To all who have lost a loved one, your have our deepest sympathy. To all who are ill -- Get well soon.

Support the PAC fund.

Vallejo 07/12/06 - 07/24/06 11 Days

Santa Rosa 07/26/06 - 08/07/06 12 Days

Bay Meadows 08/09/06 - 08/23/06 12 Days

Ferndale 08/10/06 - 08/20/06 10 Days

Fresno 10/04/06 - 10/15/06 11 Days