Permanent layoffs at Arlington Park to begin in September, 270 workers impacted

Permanent layoffs at Arlington Park to begin in September, 270 workers impacted
Photo credit Getty Images

CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Employees of Arlington International Racecourse have received formal notices that their days are numbered at the historic horse racing facility.

This is more or less reality setting in for the 270 employees, some represented by the Teamsters Union and the IBEW. Before the pandemic, there were more than a thousand workers at the track.

The Daily Herald reported a letter to employees says employment separations are expected to begin on or about Sept. 25. There appears to be little hope there will be another season of racing.

Owner Churchill Downs has been weighing purchase offers for the 300-plus acre property since mid-June including an offer from the Chicago Bears. If racing were to continue either through a lease or purchase, applications for racing dates are due at the end of this week.

Many workers also work at Hawthorne Race Course and Nick Micaletti with the Teamsters Local 727 said, "Without Arlington, one of the nicest most beautiful tracks in the country, it's a one-track town now."

Featured Image Photo Credit: Getty Images