Gaming News

Pari-Mutuel Clerks on Strike

DUBUQUE, Iowa -- A group of pari-mutuel clerks at Dubuque Greyhound Park & Casino went on strike after contract talks failed to resolve a dispute over health insurance and holiday pay.

The clerks walked off the job Saturday night, marking the first work stoppage in the nearly 20-year history of the racetrack and casino.

"This is not what I want, but (management) kept pushing and pushing," said Wayne Laufenberg, business representative for District 6 of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, which represents about 16 pari-mutuel clerks.

Bruce Wentworth, general manager of the establishment, said the strike was a "sham."

"These folks are electing not to come to work when they have great jobs," he said. "That's something we'd like them to reconsider."

Some clerks remained on the job. About a dozen clerks walked out.

Copyright © Las Vegas Sun. Inc. Republished with permission.

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