After a current effort to ban all smoking in Atlantic City’s casinos fell quick, a number of on line casino employees confirmed up and lit up throughout a New Jersey Senate Health Committee assembly final Thursday.
The puffing protest included members of C.E.A.S.E. (Casino Employees Against Smoking’s Effects) and different on line casino union members. Those who selected to smoke had been escorted out of the assembly by state troopers. Some protestors expressed frustration that legislators weren’t able to reach an agreement on ending on line casino smoking.
“Two days ago, I was on a table with two guys smoking cigars. It’s horrible,” on line casino employee Lamont White advised CBS News Philadelphia. “Your eyes start burning. My throat gets raw, and I don’t want to breathe.”
No Agreement Reached
The protest comes after legislative efforts fell aside in early December. Lawmakers couldn’t get sufficient votes to maneuver a proposal out of committee.
Some legislators indicated they might search a compromise with casinos, corresponding to an 18-month smoking ban phase-in or permitting properties to construct enclosed smoking areas with air therapy programs.
“There could be a compromise put on the table that could bring the votes … that will ensure it passes,” Sen. Fred Madden (D) mentioned.
Current legislation permits smoking on 25% of the on line casino flooring, however C.E.A.S.E. members are searching for a whole ban of the apply. However, some lawmakers additionally expressed considerations that the adjustments might lead to job losses. The Casino Association of New Jersey echoed these ideas.
“It is clear that more and more people realize that the bill, as drafted, will have a significant adverse effect on Atlantic City’s economy,” the group famous in a press release. “A broad coalition of stakeholders – workers, seniors, people with disabilities, civil rights organizations, labor, business, community leaders, and a number of legislators – oppose this legislation, recognizing that it will hurt working-class people, endanger thousands of jobs and jeopardize the millions of dollars in tax revenue dedicated to New Jersey’s seniors and people with disabilities.”
The group additionally famous that the trade is prepared to compromise and continues to barter to achieve an settlement.
“We look forward to continuing this dialogue as we move forward, to find a compromise that will address the concerns of our employees without jeopardizing jobs and benefits to some of our most vulnerable citizens. The casino industry will continue to work with stakeholders on a compromise that supports the betterment of the city, the tourism and gaming industries, and the collective interest of the entire Atlantic City workforce.”
