Thirty-five top non-union managers at New York City OTB were handed pink slips last week, in a surprise move designed to save the beleaguered organization

$2 million a year.

The cuts included 12 administrative managers, three executive directors, four senior directors, three special assistants and one associate director.

Chairman Meyer 'Sandy' Frucher called the cuts “regrettable, but a necessary step to operate our business more efficiently and effectively.”

He said that while more downsizing lay ahead, the action at the top level was taken while awaiting legislation to enable them to provide early retirement incentive benefits that will enable NYCOTB to move forward with its union partners on further reductions.

Answering questions about the meeting at Saratoga, Frucher said, “I’m sure that when people stop calling each other names and sit down to have a constructive and honest dialogue, we will not only ensure the Saratoga meet, but also move a long way to solve the industry’s problems as well.”

(Harness Tracks of America)