PEP, June 2008: Talks to save OTB race deadline

By DIANE S. WILLIAMS

As PEP went to press, state lawmakers were racing the clock to save the jobs of 1,300 union members at the New York City Off-Track Betting Corp., which is set to close on June 16.

“We are in a critical time of intense negotiations. We are hoping to reach a solution so no members will lose their jobs,” said Local 2021 President Lenny Allen.

While a permanent solution to prevent the planned shutdown and enable OTB to pay employees and fairly compensate the city had not been finalized at press time, Allen and DC 37 leaders remained cautiously optimistic.

On numerous occasions in meetings and phone calls, key lawmakers — including Gov. David Paterson’s representative Director of State Operations Paul Francis, Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno and Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver — gave the union their word that they would work out a plan that would preserve the jobs of Local 2021 members and save OTB, which generates a handle of more than $1 billion a year.

The union pressed its battle to save the members’ jobs in the state capital March 18 in a special OTB lobbying effort and again May 6 at DC 37’s Lobby Day. After a hearing on the issue, the City Council voted unanimously March 16 for Resolution 1235 in support of saving OTB, and Finance Committee Chair David Weprin held a joint news conference with Allen and DC 37 Executive Director Lillian Roberts to publicize the issue.

In May, OTB sent layoff notices to all Local 2021 members.

“I came to Albany because I don’t want our representatives to abandon our cause,” said OTB Supervisor Maintainer Cesar Garay, who attended the union’s Lobby Day May 6. Garay’s wife also faces potential layoffs at the troubled Bear Sterns investment bank; the couple has two children in college and a mortgage.

“I don’t want anything or anyone to take away my job and hopefully coming to Albany today will prevent that,” said full-time OTB Betting Clerk John Foley, who also went to Albany May 6.

“We do not want to give any false hope, these issues are very sensitive,” said Allen. “The legislators know we have a fast-approaching deadline. They are fully aware of what’s at stake and will not let the unthinkable happen.”