Victorian jockeys have been accused of militant tactics and backflipping on a deal that the Australian Trainers Association says could have ended a two-month dispute over the push for riders to be paid fees for jumpouts.
In a highly inflammatory statement, ATA boss Stephen Bell said jockeys were “double-dipping” in their demands to be remunerated for riding in unofficial barrier trials.
He claims the jockeys’ demands are “unsustainable”, insisting a $1.5 million wages bill would have to come out of the pockets of trainers and owners.
Racing Victoria (RV) said in a statement said the parties had been close to settling the dispute, but were now back to square one.
Bell said it was his understanding that jumpouts are seen as part of trackwork, and jockeys do not charge for that service in return for the reward of race rides.
"There is only so much money to go around. It is unreasonable and unsustainable for jockeys to want a greater share of the pie for work they already do,” he said.
Victorian Jockeys Association (VJA) members have boycotted riding in jumpouts since December 1 but the ATA claims the ranks of the state’s riders have been split on the issue.
VJA chief executive Matt Hyland has previously denied this, as the representative group on Tuesday recommended that its members end their action.
"Following this morning’s (Tuesday) meeting, we will be engaging directly with government workplace regulators and other supports to seek further advice," Hyland wrote in a text communication.
"For every one of you who have committed to our stance in withdrawing your services for unpaid work you should be proud.
"At this point with most of you under immense pressure to return to JOs (jumpouts) it is our view that this strategy is no longer achieving our goal and on that basis we recommend the stance is lifted whilst we consider other options open to us."
Hyland said the VJA, RV and the ATA had reached a verbal agreement last Friday to end the dispute and he was told the ATA board had unanimously supported the latest proposal.
"Over the weekend, they have done a U-turn, reversed their stated position, and advised RV and VJA that they now do not support the proposal," Hyland said.
"So, this has been going on for eight weeks now with no outcome reached and it’s time for us to change tack."
Bell claimed the VJA had previously negotiated an increased race-riding fee instead of a jumpout payment on the premise that Racing Victoria (RV) would program more official barrier trials to allow jockeys to supplement their income.
Under the terms of that agreement, RV would have doubled the number of barrier trials but Bell said the VJA and its chief executive had reneged on the deal.
"The VJA CEO Matt Hyland came to a clear agreement with us and their about-turn is very disappointing,” Bell said.
“I also see the VJA's push as opportunistic, noting that this aggressive new request for jumpout fees was not mentioned until after jockeys secured a 10 per cent (over three years) race-iding fee increase from Racing Victoria."
"The trainers see the jockeys as already being well rewarded, earning almost $32 million annually, which has actually crept up to a greater share of total prize money than trainers receive.”
An RV statement said the parties had been close to settling the dispute in a deal that would have provided a $50 riding fee for jumpouts that included a $20 subsidy from the regulator.
Jockeys had initially demanded a $110 fee.
However, RV concedes that the ATA and VJA are further apart than ever on the issue.
“RV has been actively working over several weeks to bring key stakeholders together and provide an opportunity for the parties to resolve the jumpout matter collaboratively,” a statement read.
“Our role has been to facilitate these discussions, supporting the parties in their efforts to reach a mutual agreement and providing analysis of potential solutions.
“We understood the parties had been close to reaching agreement in recent days however it appears this is no longer the case.
“We acknowledge the wide range of views expressed across the industry, which highlight the complexity of this issue.”
RV said it was conscious of the additional economic burden jumpout fees would place on the industry.
“While adjustments to the official trial model have been explored as part of a potential solution, it is worth noting that RV already heavily subsidises official trials to help manage the cost to owners and trainers,” it said.
“Any change in the number, mix and cost of official trials will require a further review.”
Bren O’Brien
Bell urged RV and the VJA to work with his organisation to establish a schedule for official barrier trials at major training centres to break the impasse.
“Riding in extra official trials adds value for trainers and owners and we can justify paying for that. We see that as the solution, as it is a win/win for all parties," he said.
Bell said trainers had been confronted with rising overheads and extra operational costs that had put many stables under financial pressure.
"It is therefore very disappointing when (leading jockey) Damian Lane, who earns in excess of $1 million per year, makes the tone-deaf comment that he does not care where the money comes from,” he said.
"It is also incredibly annoying that Matt Hyland never consulted with us before the jockeys unilaterally boycotted jumpouts, demanding a $110 riding fee for those jumpouts."
