A union representing employees in Atlantic City’s casinos is asking a judge to dismiss a lawsuit that seeks to ban smoking in the city’s gambling establishments. The lawsuit, filed by a group of non-smoking patrons, claims that secondhand smoke poses a health risk to both casino workers and guests.
However, the United Casino Workers Union (UCWU) argues that banning smoking in the casinos would have a detrimental impact on the industry and could result in job losses for thousands of workers. The union, which represents over 10,000 employees in Atlantic City’s casinos, contends that smoking is a choice made by patrons and that workers have the right to decide whether or not they want to work in a smoking environment.
In a statement released to the press, the UCWU stated that “banning smoking in the casinos would severely impact the industry and could result in layoffs and business closures.” The union also cited the economic importance of the casino industry to the city of Atlantic City, stating that “casinos provide thousands of jobs and generate millions of dollars in revenue for the city each year.”
The lawsuit, which is seeking an injunction to stop smoking in the casinos, has raised concerns among both casino workers and industry stakeholders. Some workers fear that a smoking ban could lead to a decrease in patronage and ultimately result in job losses. Industry leaders have also expressed concerns about the potential economic impact of such a ban, with some suggesting that it could drive customers to nearby competing casinos in other states.
In response to the lawsuit, the UCWU has called for a dismissal of the case, arguing that a smoking ban would be detrimental to the industry and to the livelihoods of its members. The union has also called for a compromise that would allow for designated smoking areas within the casinos, similar to what is currently in place in many other states with casino gaming.
The lawsuit is currently pending in a New Jersey court, where a judge will ultimately decide whether to dismiss the case or move forward with the injunction. In the meantime, the debate over smoking in Atlantic City’s casinos continues to divide stakeholders and raise questions about the future of the industry.
