The article discusses how casino workers in Atlantic City, New Jersey are suing the state to overturn an exemption in the indoor clean air law that allows smoking in casinos. The lawsuit was filed by Casino Employees Against Smoking Effects (CEASE) and the United Auto Workers in an effort to protect workers from second-hand smoke exposure. The lawsuit claims that many casino workers have suffered health problems due to exposure to second-hand smoke, and the exemption in the law violates workers’ rights to a safe working environment.
The Casino Employees Against Smoking Effects (CEASE) and the United Auto Workers are representing over 3,000 workers in Atlantic City who are affected by the smoking exemption in the indoor clean air law. The complaint states that many casino workers have developed health issues such as cancer and other smoking-related diseases despite not being smokers themselves. The workers are seeking protection from second-hand smoke exposure while working in the casinos, as they are constantly exposed to fumes from customers who are allowed to smoke inside.
The lawsuit names Governor Phil Murphy and the state’s acting health commissioner as defendants, claiming that the state has failed to protect casino workers for over 18 years by allowing smoking in casinos. The Casino Association of New Jersey has opposed a smoking ban, arguing that it would put Atlantic City casinos at a disadvantage compared to establishments in neighboring states that allow smoking. However, state senator Joseph Vitale supports the lawsuit, stating that the false argument about economics should not subjugate the duty to protect workers from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke.
Casino workers in other states, including Kansas, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Virginia, are also leading campaigns to close smoking loopholes in their respective workplaces. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there is no safe level of secondhand smoke, and allowing smoking in casinos puts thousands of workers at risk of health problems. Casinos without indoor smoking have been shown to outperform their smoking counterparts in terms of profitability, as reported by the Americans for Nonsmokers’ Rights (ANR).
Some casinos in Las Vegas have already taken steps to become smoke-free, with MGM announcing in 2020 that Park MGM, including NoMad Las Vegas, would be the first fully smoke-free casino resort on the Las Vegas Strip. Other casinos have implemented non-smoking sections to protect workers and guests from the dangers of secondhand smoke. The efforts to make casinos smoke-free are gaining momentum, with increasing recognition of the health risks associated with exposure to second-hand smoke for both workers and patrons.
