The AWU has advised that the stewards will commence work stoppage action from Wednesday, April 9 until Sunday, April 13.

“HRV is disappointed that the AWU and the stewards have not accepted what HRV believes to be a very generous financial offer over the next three years,” HRV chief executive John Anderson said.

The AWU position is for some stewards to receive an increase of up to five percent per year, which we agree with. Other stewards’ increases are to be between eight percent and 13 percent in the first year.

HRV’s position is to roll out these first-year increases over time.

“HRV believes this is a very generous offer given the current status of the industry, which is under financial stress due to the impacts of Equine Influenza and drought,” Anderson said.

“At the commission mediation today, HRV attempted to provide further incentives to the AWU and the stewards in order to strike an agreement and also agreed to shorten the timeline that the first-year increases would occur.

“Unfortunately, even though HRV moved from its original position considerably, the AWU rejected the offer.

“To concede to the AWU’s claim for these monies to be paid up front in one hit is not appropriate.”

HRV intends to continue racing during the period of the stoppage and has made the necessary arrangements for race meetings at Bendigo (Tuesday night), Kilmore (Wednesday) and Cranbourne (Wednesday night) to proceed without disruption.

“HRV stands ready at any time to finalise negotiations either with the AWU or under the auspices of the AIRC,” Anderson said.

Brad Bishop, HRV Journalist