In a shocking turn of events, workers at Atlantic City’s renowned casinos have filed a lawsuit against their employers, alleging that their workplace has become “poisonous” due to the prevalence of secondhand smoke. The lawsuit, which was filed in New Jersey Superior Court, names several major casino operators as defendants, including Caesars Entertainment, MGM Resorts International, and Golden Nugget Atlantic City.
The workers, who are represented by the powerhouse law firm of Cohen, Placitella & Roth, claim that they have been subjected to hazardous levels of secondhand smoke while on the job. According to the lawsuit, the casinos have failed to provide adequate ventilation systems or designated smoking areas, leading to a workplace environment that is detrimental to the health and well-being of employees.
One worker, who spoke on condition of anonymity, described the situation as “unbearable.” “I come home every night reeking of smoke, with a cough that just won’t go away,” the worker said. “I never signed up to work in a hazardous environment like this.”
The lawsuit also alleges that the casinos have violated state and federal regulations by failing to protect their employees from the dangers of secondhand smoke. New Jersey law prohibits smoking in most indoor public places, with exceptions made for designated smoking areas. However, the workers claim that these areas are often inadequate and do not provide sufficient protection from the harmful effects of secondhand smoke.
In response to the lawsuit, a spokesperson for the New Jersey Department of Health emphasized the importance of protecting workers from secondhand smoke. “Secondhand smoke is a known carcinogen, and exposure to it can have serious health consequences,” the spokesperson said. “Employers have a responsibility to provide a safe workplace for their employees, and that includes protecting them from the dangers of secondhand smoke.”
However, the casinos have pushed back against the lawsuit, arguing that they are already heavily taxed by the state and cannot afford to implement stricter smoking regulations. According to a statement issued by the Casino Association of New Jersey, the industry pays over $200 million in taxes and regulatory fees each year, and further restrictions on smoking could negatively impact their bottom line.
The lawsuit is expected to be a long and contentious legal battle, with both sides digging in for a fight. In the meantime, workers at Atlantic City’s casinos continue to be exposed to harmful levels of secondhand smoke, with no end in sight. The outcome of this lawsuit could have far-reaching implications for the rights and safety of workers in the gaming industry, and it remains to be seen how the courts will ultimately decide.
