National Association of Stable Staff

NASS
Full name National Association of Stable Staff
Founded 1975
Members approx. 2,500
Affiliation TUC, GFTU
Key people George McGrath (Chief Executive)
Office location Bretby, Staffordshire
Country United Kingdom
Website www.naoss.co.uk

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

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, with the encouragement of John Oaksey and Jimmy Hill. Tommy Delaney, a former jockey, became its first secretary.[2][3] 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]

External links

References

  1. ↑ Jim Cornelius, from interview with strikers
  2. ↑ Wray Vamplew and Joyce Kay, Encyclopedia of British Horseracing, p.36
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 Howard Wright, "TUC recognises stable staff representatives", Racing Post, 6 March 2009
  4. ↑ "NASS Reaches 2000 Members Target", The Racecourse Association, March 2010