United Racehorse Trainers’ Association says yes to graduated increase for grooms
THE United Racehorse Trainers’ Association (URTA) has agreed to a 20 per cent wage increase for grooms starting on October 31. The increase was announced following a meeting of the association at Caymanas Park on Tuesday.
The 20 per cent increase will be spread over a two-year period, with 10 per cent being offered in the first year and another 10 per cent in year two.
Grooms are currently taking home $2,500 per horse after the deduction of taxes. The 10 per cent increase which in effect translates to $322, means grooms will be taking home $2,822 per horse after the deduction of taxes for the period October 31, 2014 to October 31, 2015. In the second year, grooms will receive the same $322 increase which will then be added to the $2,822 amount for a total of $3,144. In addition to being paid per horse that they care for, all grooms earn an additional five per cent of the allotted stakes when their horses finish from first to sixth.
“They (grooms) deserve a raise in their pay. They have being working really hard in keeping the horses in good condition for racing time. It has been a while since they have received an increase but I think that they have earned it,” first vice-president of the URTA, Patrick Smellie, said.
“Sixty per cent of trainers at Caymanas Park are also the owners of their horses, so I think the increase in grooms’ wages of 10 per cent per year for the next two years is more than reasonable. They, too, are human beings and they have families, as well, to take care of,” Smellie added.
He continued: “The grooms already have suggested an 18 per cent increase but the URTA will bring this proposal to the grooms and their association and it’s a proposal that they should accept.”
Fabian White, president of the Grooms’ Association of Jamaica told the Complete Racing Guide on Wednesday that he was not aware of the UTRA proposal as he is yet to be informed by the president.
“I cannot comment on the current situation, as the UTRA has not contacted me on the matter as yet. But as soon as I hear their plans, I will call a grooms’ meeting and we will take it from there,” White said.
