(BATAVIA, NEW YORK) - The United Public Service Employees Union (UPSEU) has reached an impasse in contract negotiations with Batavia Downs Gaming after months of bargaining failed to produce a fair agreement for the Employees who the Union says have helped drive the corporation’s continued financial success.

Batavia Downs is once again celebrating another year of record revenue while Employees have continued working without a contract since January 1st, 2026.

When Batavia Downs President and CEO Byron Brown, the former Democratic Mayor of the City of Buffalo, sought the UPSEU’s support for legislation to reduce the corporation’s tax liability, management committed that those tax savings would be directed back to Employees through higher wages, Union Officials said.

Now, despite the Union’s support and Batavia Downs’ tax savings and record revenues, the corporation has failed to honor that commitment, the UPSEU said.

Instead, the corporation’s current wage proposal offers Employees less than they received under the previous contract, the Union said.

UPSEU - whose Members held an informational Picket outside Batavia Downs last week, is seeking an agreement that provides fair wages, honors the commitments made to Employees, recognizes longevity and experience, and addresses wage compression so that senior Employees who train and mentor new hires are appropriately compensated for their years of service.

During negotiations, UPSEU Members continued to show up every day, providing excellent service and helping Batavia Downs achieve record financial results, the Union said.

The Employees kept their promise by supporting legislation that benefited the corporation, now it’s time for Batavia Downs and Byron Brown to keep their promise to the Employees whose hard work has made that success possible, the Union said in a distributed statement.

UPSEU remains ready to continue bargaining in good faith and hopes the mediation process, now scheduled for September 17th (2026) will provide an opportunity to reach a fair agreement that recognizes the value dedication, and contributions of Batavia Downs Employees, Union Officials said.

For More On This Labor news Story, Go To: Two sides headed to mediation Sept. 17 in labor dispute at Batavia Downs | The Batavian

Photos Provided By The UPSEU.