Remember Workers As Well As Horses

Date: 27 August 2007

The Australian Workers' Union is calling on the Federal Government and the racing industry to set up an emergency fund for workers suffering extreme financial hardship if the equine flu racing bans are extended beyond a few days.

"We fully support the actions taken around the country to contain the virus. It is vital to identify the extent of Equine Influenza's spread and to work to eradicate it," says AWU National Secretary Bill Shorten, "But we have to make sure that the people who depend on racing for their livelihoods don't suffer undue disadvantage through no fault of their own."

Hundreds of thousands of people make their living from Australia's racing industry.

Jockeys have lost rides, but thousands of casuals, from groundsman to barrier assistants to catering staff are also affected.

"In the event that the problems go longer than a few days, then we believe it is incumbent on the Federal Government to help the racing industry to look after these people," Mr Shorten says.

"A fund, not dissimilar from drought or temporary natural disaster relief schemes, should be established from which staff stood down by the industry could draw the equivalent of a portion of their wages. It is unfair that these workers should be unable to make their mortgage and bill payments because of these bans."

The Australian Workers' Union totally supports the efforts of the industry and governments to eradicate the equine flu virus, but maintains workers must not be disadvantaged.

For further information

Union:	The Australian Workers' Union
Phone:	02 9264 5911
Fax:	02 9264 5017
WWW:	http://www.awu.net.au

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