A will to negotiate and an application of minds with a positive outlook, was all that was required to resolve the deadlock between the Syces Union and the other bodies at The Bangalore Turf Club on Tuesday. When one reflects on the happenings over the last few days, which led to the postponement of The Kingfisher Bangalore Derby 2011, it is easy to deduce that timely action could have averted the situation. The massive publicity campaign associated with the premier racing event launched by the UB Group would not have gone waste. A large number of outstation guests coming for this event would not have lost their time and money, and most importantly, the horses would not have had a break in their training schedules. What ultimately resulted in a lot of negative publicity for the authorities at The Bangalore Turf Club, could have been handled in a much better manner.

The striking syces were not to be faulted. This hard-working bunch of workmen was asking for what was rightfully due to them. The issue regarding non-payment of Provident Fund had been pending for over eight years. Every time they raised it, they were told to wait. The "Good Conduct Bonus", which amounts to a paltry sum of approximately Rs 10 per syce per month, had been stopped for the last couple of years. The leader of their Union chose the Derby Weekend to force these issues. Four days prior to the "big day", they stopped exercising the horses. In addition to the above referred matters, they wanted new uniforms and a re-look at their existing salary structure. The Club chose to stay away from this confrontation, as the authorities felt that it was a matter between the Trainers and their Syces. The Trainers did not want to settle these claims, as there was a feeling that by doing so they would confirm their status as the employers of the syces, and the same would compromise their stand in an ongoing Court case. For the information of our readers who may be wondering about the background of this subject, The Karnataka Trainer's Association has gone to court and said that they are not the employers of the syces working in their stables. They have further claimed that it is the BTC which is the principal employer of these workers. A Tribunal in New Delhi had ruled in the year 2005 that The BTC was not the principal employer of the syces, while an Appellate Court in Karnataka has ruled that the trainers are only the agents of the Club. This has led to a confusing situation as the final verdicts are still awaited.

The Provident Fund matter is becoming bigger and bigger, and needs to be addressed immediately. The trainers at Mumbai, Kolkata and Hyderabad have formed societies to solve similar problems. The methodology is quite simple and straightforward. Representatives of the Trainers and Owners are installed as the Trustees of this society, while an official of the Turf Club officiates as the Secretary. The syces are enrolled as members of this entity. The Provident Fund contributions are routed through this society. While it is acknowledged that this is the only way out of this mess, no one wants to take the initiative. Everybody is worried about the "Retrospective Effects" of this decision. Over the years, there are a number of trainers who have retired from the profession. Similarly, hundreds of syces have finished their tenures and gone back to their home states. It will be almost impossible to trace their records. The BTC, KTA and KROA have a fairly large corpus to fund such an eventuality. It is time for the Managing Committee to lead the way and find an early solution to this long-pending issue.

Representatives of the Syces Union, BTC, KTA and KROA met on Tuesday and resolved most of the issues. The Club handed over a cheque amounting to Rs 7 lakh to the KTA and asked them to disburse the "Good Conduct Bonus". Even though it is done at the end of July every year, the trainers decided to release funds towards the syces uniforms immediately. The Syces Union asked their members to resume active duties at their respective locations. As regards formation of a society to tackle the PF matter, the group decided to meet after the 22nd of July. Incidentally, the matter pertaining to the "Admission of the BTC matter in The Supreme Court Of India" has been slotted on 19th July 2011. Well-wishers are hoping for a suitable order on Tuesday.