Casino Workers Team Up with New Jersey AG Against Casino Smoking Ban

Article by : Erik Gibbs Apr 30, 2024

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In the heart of Atlantic City, the concerns of worker health and safety have come into focus, as a heated debate has been ignited over the implementation of smoking bans within the city’s nine casinos.

Conflicting interests, legal battles and economic considerations are taking center stage in the discussion, underscoring the complexity of the issue. The focal point of contention lies between the main casino workers union, Local 54 of Unite Here, and the New Jersey Attorney General, with each side presenting compelling arguments in favor of their stance.

Local 54 has moved to dismiss a lawsuit aimed at banning smoking in the casinos, citing the potential loss of jobs for one-third of its 10,000 workers if such a ban were to be enforced.

The union argues that while it supports health and safety improvements, a total smoking ban would have catastrophic effects on Atlantic City, particularly in terms of gambling revenue generated from smoking sections.

Conversely, the lawsuit, spearheaded by lawyer Nancy Erika Smith and supported by some workers, emphasizes the importance of prioritizing worker health over economic interests. Smith criticizes Local 54 for seemingly placing the interests of the casinos above the well-being of their own members.

The involvement of the United Auto Workers (UAW) adds further complexity to the issue. The UAW aims to overturn New Jersey’s indoor smoking law, arguing that it infringes on constitutional rights. However, the New Jersey Attorney General rebuffs these claims, asserting that the state’s indoor smoking law is not unconstitutional.

The proposed legislation seeks to find a middle ground between maintaining the current 25% smoking limit on casino floors and allowing smoking in designated areas equipped with proper ventilation.

This compromise attempts to balance the competing interests of worker health and economic viability. However, the efficacy of such measures in mitigating the health risks associated with secondhand smoke remains a subject of debate as well.

The controversy surrounding smoking bans in Atlantic City casinos is not unique to the region but reflects broader discussions taking place in other states grappling with similar concerns. The issue is multifaceted, encompassing considerations of public health, worker rights, economic sustainability and legal frameworks.