Workers in Atlantic City casinos are speaking out against what they describe as a “poisonous” workplace environment due to exposure to secondhand smoke. The issue has led to a lawsuit against several of the city’s biggest casinos, including Caesars, Borgata, and Tropicana.
The lawsuit, which was filed by a group of current and former casino workers, alleges that the casinos have failed to provide a safe working environment by allowing smoking on the gaming floor. The workers claim that they have suffered from a range of health issues, including respiratory problems, headaches, and nausea, as a result of exposure to secondhand smoke.
“It’s like working in a toxic cloud every day,” said one casino dealer, who asked to remain anonymous. “We’re constantly breathing in smoke, and it’s taking a toll on our health. We’ve had enough, and we’re fighting back.”
The lawsuit is just the latest in a long-running battle between casino workers and management over the issue of smoking in Atlantic City casinos. In 2006, the state of New Jersey passed a law banning smoking in most indoor public places, but exempted casinos from the ban. Since then, workers have been pushing for a smoke-free workplace, but have been met with resistance from casino owners who argue that smoking is a key part of the casino experience.
In a statement, the New Jersey Department of State, which oversees the state’s gaming industry, stressed the importance of casinos to the state’s economy. “Atlantic City casinos are a crucial source of revenue for the state, generating millions of dollars in tax revenue every year,” the statement read. “While we take the health and safety of casino workers very seriously, we must also consider the economic impact of any changes to the current policy on smoking in casinos.”
The state’s stance has drawn criticism from workers and their advocates, who argue that the health and well-being of employees should take precedence over financial concerns. “It’s outrageous that the state would prioritize tax revenue over the health of its own citizens,” said Linda Gray, an attorney representing the casino workers in the lawsuit. “These workers deserve better, and we’re going to fight for their right to a safe and healthy workplace.”
The lawsuit is currently making its way through the courts, and it remains to be seen how the issue will ultimately be resolved. In the meantime, casino workers in Atlantic City continue to speak out against what they see as an unfair and dangerous workplace environment. “We’re not asking for anything extravagant,” said the anonymous casino dealer. “We just want to be able to do our jobs without putting our health at risk. Is that too much to ask?”
