Atlantic City Casino Workers Continue Fight for Smoke-Free Environment

In an unexpected turn of events, representatives from Casino Employees Against Smoking Effects (CEASE) and United Casino Workers (UAW) staged a protest in the office of Senator Vince Polistina. The protest was in response to Senator Polistina's recent change of heart regarding a smoking ban in Atlantic City's casinos. Previously, he had been a supporter of smoke-free initiatives, but now he's open to compromise solutions.

Under New Jersey's Smoke-Free Air Act, casinos can designate up to a quarter of their indoor gaming space as smoking areas. However, opponents argue that this exemption puts the health of casino workers at risk, as they are exposed to secondhand smoke for extended periods. Casino operators, on the other hand, contend that a smoking ban would negatively impact their business.

While supporters of the smoking ban point to successful smoke-free policies in other states, Atlantic City operators are resistant to a complete ban. Some have proposed compromise measures, such as enclosed smoking spaces, where only voluntary workers would serve. CEASE, however, believes that operators might coerce employees into volunteering, citing past instances of pregnant women and individuals battling cancer being placed at smoking tables.

Senator Polistina sympathized with the workers' cause and expressed his desire to see indoor smoking eliminated in New Jersey. However, he explained that his change in stance was due to political considerations, as the South Jersey Democratic delegation recently lost seats, making the push for a smoking ban more challenging. Additionally, Unite Here Local 54, another union representing casino staff, opposes the ban, fearing it could drive patrons away. Despite these challenges, Senator Polistina pledged to vote in favor of a casino smoking ban if it reaches the Senate floor for a vote