THE Workplace Relations Commission says it will sit down with representatives of the racing industry and attempt to formulate an employers’ guide which respects the law and allows racehorse trainers some flexibility around employee working hours and rest periods.

Since news broke last weekend of the Labour Court’s decision to uphold compliance orders served on Ballydoyle Stables, the racing industry has been in a tizzy over how it can survive the implementation of formal working hours and days off.

The Labour Court held that training racehorses is not an agricultural activity and therefore employers cannot rely on exemptions from the Working Time Act when rostering stable staff for duty. The judgement, which is being appealed by Ballydoyle, appeared to indicate that trainers would need to source additional skilled staff to work at weekends.

COMMON SENSE

In light of the judgement, Noel Meade, chairman of the Irish Racehorse Trainers Association [IRTA], says that racing should be given its own special status if it cannot be categorised as agriculture.

He told The Irish Field: “Common sense will have to prevail. The Labour Court cannot be blind to the difficult situation our members are now in. I accept that working in racing is a tough job but I don’t believe reports that there has been a big number of complaints from employees. I can certainly say that my staff are looked after well.”

On the problem of sourcing additional skilled staff Meade said: “In a yard with 100 horses you can take it that only 50% of the staff will be able to ride 50% of the horses. Some staff members can only sit up and canter while other highly-skilled riders are needed for fast work and to develop a racehorse. You can’t keep changing jockeys.”

The IRTA is due to meet senior HRI personnel on Wednesday to discuss the way forward. Yesterday evening the WRC appeared to throw a lifeline to the racing industry by offering to work with stakeholders on finding a workable solution.

A spokesperson for the WRC told The Irish Field: “We have been meeting with HRI in recent months, regardless of the outcome of the Ballydoyle case. This week’s verdict clarifies some points and we do have to enforce the law, but we will work with the racing industry on this. There is a way forward.”

The WRC had hoped to publish an employers’ guide in time for the ITBA Expo next week but it probably will not be ready in time. “However, we will have a stand at the Expo and people are welcome to come and talk to us anonymously,” the spokesman added.

“Our information unit is completely separate to our inspectorate. There is nothing to fear in talking to us.”

Those who cannot attend the Expo can call the WRC on 1890 80 80 90 for more information.

“The main issues are around working hours and rest periods. We have been through this with other industries and solutions will be found.”

Horse Racing Ireland has made no official statement on the Labour Court result.