UAW to Exit AFL-CIO over Casino Smoking Court Decision
The United Auto Workers (UAW) union has decided to withdraw from the New Jersey chapter of the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO).
Earlier this month, the Superior Court ruled in favor of smoking inside casinos.
LISTEN TO THIS ARTICLE:According to a local report, the union's decision to exit the trade group stems from disagreements over the organization's support for a ruling that allows smoking to continue in Atlantic City's casinos.
The union, which advocates for dealers at Bally's, Tropicana, and Caesars casinos, filed a lawsuit to challenge the existing law that permits indoor smoking in Atlantic City's nine casinos. In response, casino workers from Local 54 of the Unite Here union, joined by New Jersey's attorney general, have filed a counter-motion asking a state judge to throw out the lawsuit.
Local 54 justifies its move by arguing that a smoking ban could lead to substantial job losses, especially for a third of its 10,000 members. These members would face the risk of unemployment and loss of livelihood for themselves and their families.
Earlier this month, Superior Court Judge Patrick Bartels ruled that smoking will continue to be allowed on the casino floors of Atlantic City, marking a significant development in the ongoing debate.
I cannot express how furious our institution is at the Jersey state-level AFL and the other unions that filed an injunction status against us. This is a moral, health and safety issue.
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Growing Movement to Push Casino Smoke-Free Policies
Atlantic City's casinos currently permit smoking on 25% of their gaming floors, but these designated smoking areas do not confine the smoke. As a result, smoke drifts into other parts of the casino, affecting non-smoking areas.
While indoor smoking has been banned in New Jersey since 2006, an exception in the current legislation allows smoking in casinos and simulcasting facilities. Casino workers have been campaigning for more than three years to close this loophole.
Currently, nearly a dozen states in the US permit indoor smoking in casinos. However, efforts are being championed by casino employees, health advocates, and lawmakers to ban this practice across various jurisdictions, including Kansas and Pennsylvania.
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