National Association of Racing Staff

The National Association of Racing Staff (NARS) is a trade union in the United Kingdom for stable staff working in the horse racing industry.

National Association of Racing Staff
Founded1975
Membersapprox. 2,500
AffiliationTUC, GFTU
Key peopleGeorge McGrath (Chief Executive)
Office locationSuffolk
CountryUnited Kingdom
Websitenaors.co.uk

History

In 1975, many stable staff at Newmarket were members of the Transport and General Workers Union (TGWU). They went on strike for better working conditions, but the strike was met with hostility from trainers, jockeys and racegoers. It was settled but many strikers were not allowed to return to their jobs despite the settlement including a no victimisation clause. Some won cases at industrial tribunals.[1] Disillusioned with the TGWU, many broke away to form the Stable Lads Association, the idea for which was Viv Baldwin's who enlisted John Oaksey and Jimmy Hill to help set it up. Tommy Delaney, a former jockey, became its first secretary.[2][3] Viv Baldwin remained involved with the association until 2010. By 2007, membership stood at 1,250. The organisation then renamed itself as the National Association of Stable Staff, and within three years increased membership to 2,000.[4] In 2009, the union affiliated with the Trades Union Congress.[3]

In August 2017, the union renamed itself as the National Association of Racing Staff.[5]

Structure

It was based at Bretby Business Park, north of Swadlincote on the A511, in South Derbyshire. It is now based in Suffolk.

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References
  1. Jim Cornelius, from interview with strikers
  2. Wray Vamplew and Joyce Kay, Encyclopedia of British Horseracing, p.36
  3. Howard Wright, "TUC recognises stable staff representatives", Racing Post, 6 March 2009
  4. Its first Chief Executive was Jim Cornelius. When he failed to get re-elected in 2007 its membership was 2500."NASS Reaches 2000 Members Target", The Racecourse Association, March 2010
  5. "Certification Officer: amendments to the lists". Trade Union Certification Officer. UK Government. Retrieved 20 September 2018.


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