Union Drive Comes to Naught
“Known as the Fox, [Diego] Sotelo assumed the role of labor agitator in an industry historically unwelcoming to unions. At Santa Anita Park, about 15 miles east of Los Angeles, he threatened a strike by the stable hands — the grooms, hot walkers and exercise riders, known as backstretch workers and hired by the trainers — just before the racing season resumes the morning after Christmas.
“Backstretch workers in California have lived in such squalor that the state, embarrassed by newspaper reports, passed a battery of laws three years ago guaranteeing minimum pay and living standards in an industry to which they did not apply.
“Mr. Sotelo says little has changed.” Unfortunately for him, and California backstretch workers, track security guards put an end to Mr. Sotelo’s union organizing efforts and he has been banned from Santa Anita. (New York Times)
