Genting brings in own staff, lays off lifetime employees

Layoffs loom over lifelong New York Racing Association employees in the next couple months
BY Jerry Bossert
DAILY NEWS SPORTS WRITER


The promises of riches at the new casino at Aqueduct will bring unemployment to many lifelong employees of the New York Racing Association.

According to David Smukler, the Senior Vice President of Human Resources & Labor Relations, 96 employees will be laid off when the racing action moves from Belmont to Aqueduct.

"Many will be in the custodial and maintenance of the building and parking," Smukler said, noting that notices will go out Sunday.

Resorts World New York will be operated by Genting, which becomes Aqueduct's landlord. The company will use its own staff to clean and care for the building and casino, which is scheduled to open on Oct.28.

NYRA will keep 30 people to clean Belmont, which will be open for simulcasting when the racing is moved to Aqueduct on Nov. 4.

Further layoffs will occur the following month, including electricians, plumbers and carpenters, which could total close to another 20.

Smukler that all employees will be eligible for unemployment.

Even when racing does return to Belmont next spring, only 65 employees will be brought back to maintain that facility.

Smukler said the NYRA notified the unions representing the workers within the proper time frame, but employees began to find out only last week that they may lose their jobs, many not knowing who will be laid off until Sunday.

At the end of June, the New York State Franchise Oversight Board released the salaries of NYRA executives, which included raises.

NYRA President and CEO Charles Hayward now makes $475,000 annually, with Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Ellen McClain making $350,000, General Counsel Patrick Kehoe $423,000 and Smukler $265,000.