In a groundbreaking move, casino workers in New Jersey have banded together to fight against a proposed smoking ban in Atlantic City casinos. The workers, who are members of the UNITE HERE Local 54 union, have joined forces with other casino employees from various establishments to form a collective voice in opposition to the ban.
The proposed smoking ban, which was introduced by New Jersey state lawmakers, aims to prohibit smoking inside all Atlantic City casinos in order to protect the health and well-being of both employees and patrons. However, many casino workers argue that such a ban would have a detrimental impact on the industry, leading to a decrease in revenue and potentially forcing some casinos to shut down.
Union spokesperson Lisa Johnson stated, “We understand the concerns about the health risks associated with smoking, but we also need to consider the impact that a smoking ban would have on our livelihoods. Many of our members rely on tips from patrons who come to enjoy the full casino experience, including smoking. We are not against reasonable health measures, but we believe there are other ways to address this issue without completely banning smoking inside casinos.”
The casino workers have launched a campaign to raise awareness about the potential consequences of a smoking ban, including organizing rallies and reaching out to state lawmakers to voice their concerns. They argue that the ban would lead to a loss of jobs and revenue for the industry, which could have a ripple effect on the local economy.
In addition, the workers are calling for more research to be conducted on the impact of secondhand smoke in casinos, as well as the implementation of designated smoking areas that would allow smokers to enjoy their habit without negatively affecting non-smokers.
The fight against the smoking ban has garnered attention from various media outlets, including NBC10 Philadelphia, which has been covering the story extensively. The workers are determined to continue their fight and are hopeful that their collective efforts will lead to a compromise that takes into account the concerns of all stakeholders involved.
As the debate continues to unfold, it remains to be seen whether the casino workers will be successful in their efforts to prevent the implementation of a smoking ban in Atlantic City casinos. One thing is for certain – the workers are not backing down without a fight.