In a disappointing turn of events for casino workers across New Jersey, the state’s Supreme Court has declined to hear a case regarding the smoking ban in Atlantic City casinos. The decision comes as a blow to many employees who have been fighting for a smoke-free work environment for years.
The case, brought forth by a group of casino workers represented by the United Food and Commercial Workers Union, challenged the exemption granted to Atlantic City casinos from the state’s Smoke-Free Air Act. The Act, passed in 2006, prohibits smoking in most indoor public places and workplaces, including bars and restaurants. However, casinos were granted an exemption, allowing smoking on up to 25% of their gaming floors.
The lawsuit argued that the exemption violated the constitutional rights of casino workers, as it exposed them to harmful secondhand smoke on a daily basis. The workers claimed that they were at a higher risk of developing serious health issues, such as lung cancer and heart disease, due to prolonged exposure to secondhand smoke in the workplace.
Despite their arguments, the New Jersey Supreme Court declined to hear the case, effectively upholding the exemption for Atlantic City casinos. The decision has sparked outrage among casino workers and their advocates, who see it as a missed opportunity to improve the health and safety of workers in the gaming industry.
In response to the ruling, the United Food and Commercial Workers Union has promised to continue fighting for a smoke-free work environment for casino employees. They have called on state lawmakers to reconsider the exemption granted to casinos and to pass legislation that would protect workers from the dangers of secondhand smoke.
Meanwhile, casino owners and industry groups have defended the exemption, arguing that it is necessary to attract and retain customers in a highly competitive market. They claim that a complete smoking ban would hurt business and lead to job losses in the struggling gaming industry.
With the Supreme Court’s decision now final, the future of the smoking ban in Atlantic City casinos remains uncertain. Casino workers are left to grapple with the continued health risks posed by secondhand smoke, while advocates vow to keep up the fight for a safer and healthier workplace. As the debate rages on, one thing is clear – the battle over the smoking ban in New Jersey casinos is far from over.