Atlantic City Workers Seek Supreme Court Intervention on Casino Smoking Rule

Casino workers in Atlantic City keep fighting to get rid of a rule that lets people smoke inside casinos. They have asked the New Jersey Supreme Court to look at their case. 

UAW and CEASE Challenge Judge’s Ruling on Casino Smoking Exemption

United Automobile Workers (UAW) Region 9 and Casino Employees Against Smoking Effects (CEASE), who represent the casino employees, do not agree with the judge’s decision, reported The New Jersey Monitor. The two organizations argue that letting people smoke in casinos puts their health at risk because they breathe in secondhand smoke.

The union is taking its case to the Supreme Court following Judge Bartels’ decision that New Jersey’s Constitution does not guarantee a right to safety, but a right “to pursue and obtain” it. The people suing argue that leaving casino workers out of standard workplace safety rules shows special treatment for a strong industry based in Atlantic City, which goes against the state’s constitutional principles.

The core of Bartels’ decision rested on the claim that Atlantic City’s special legal standing, which lets the legislature control gambling within city limits allows for such exemptions. But those who brought the lawsuit insist this exception unfairly targets casino workers breaking constitutional safeguards by not guaranteeing a safe work environment. They claim that people working in casinos should have the same right to a smoke-free workplace as other employees throughout the state.

Casino Association Warns of Job Losses as Smoking Ban Faces Legislative Hurdles

Those against a smoking ban, like the Casino Association of New Jersey, say that stopping the exception could make casino profits go down maybe causing people to lose jobs. They claim customers might choose to go to casinos in nearby states where people can still smoke inside. The court has taken into account this concern pointing out how it could affect the economy and the tax money casinos bring in. But casino workers say that financial worries should not be more important than their right to work in a healthy environment.

Attempts to ban smoking in casinos through legislation have received support from both parties but keep getting stuck in the state legislature. Some lawmakers want a middle ground that would let smoking happen in enclosed casino areas, but this idea faces pushback from health groups.

Republican Assemblyman John DiMaio and others back the ban stressing that this goes beyond politics and aims to protect workers and their families. With support on both sides, those pushing for the ban hope to see action soon since New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy has said he would sign a law to ban casino smoking if it came to him.