Baird 'elitist' over dogs ban: union

The Australian Workers Union has blasted NSW Premier Mike Baird for being "elitist" in his decision to close down the state's greyhound racing industry.

The union says it represents many of the affected employees among the 5000-plus people whose jobs may disappear when the racing ban takes effect.

"The greyhound racing industry is made up of thousands of decent working-class people who do not earn large sums of money," AWU state secretary Russ Collison said.

"In many parts of regional NSW, unemployment is twice the rate of the eastern suburbs or northern beaches. Jobs are already in short supply. The premier's elitist, arrogant approach shows he is completely out of touch."

Mr Collison said Mr Baird's "high-handed decision" ignored significant reforms to the industry over the past 12 months.