Workers in Atlantic City casinos have filed a lawsuit against their employers, alleging that the toxic work environment caused by secondhand smoke is putting their health at risk. The lawsuit cites a list of health issues that employees have experienced, including respiratory problems, nausea, headaches, and dizziness.
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 premises. The workers claim that the secondhand smoke is so pervasive that it seeps into non-smoking areas of the casinos, exposing them to dangerous levels of toxins.
“It’s like working in a toxic wasteland,” said one of the plaintiffs, who asked to remain anonymous. “The air is thick with smoke, and it’s impossible to escape. I come home from work feeling nauseous and smelling like an ashtray.”
The workers are seeking compensation for their medical expenses and damages for the pain and suffering they have endured. They are also calling on the casinos to ban smoking on the premises and implement a comprehensive smoke-free policy.
The state of New Jersey, which relies heavily on revenue from the casino industry, has stressed the importance of casino taxes in light of the lawsuit. A spokesperson for the state government emphasized that casinos are a significant source of revenue for the state and play a crucial role in supporting local economies.
“We understand the concerns raised by the workers, and we are committed to addressing them,” said the spokesperson. “However, we also need to consider the economic impact of any changes to casino policies. We rely on this revenue to fund essential services and programs that benefit residents of New Jersey.”
The lawsuit has sparked a debate in Atlantic City over the balance between worker safety and economic considerations. While some argue that the health and well-being of casino employees should be the top priority, others are concerned about the potential impact of a smoking ban on the industry.
As the lawsuit moves forward, it remains to be seen how the casinos and the state government will respond to the workers’ concerns. In the meantime, employees continue to report to work in what they describe as a “poisonous” workplace, hoping for a resolution that will put their health first.
