After the failed attempt to implement stricter non-smoking rules in 2023, things are heating up again as legislators in Missouri and Kansas are starting to handle the issue. Both states will start to handle the issue in January in cooperation with casino representatives.
Casino employee Joseph Hafley said, “85% of Kansans and Missourians do not smoke, but (casinos) cater to the 15% that do, which doesn’t make any sense. No one should have to work in secondhand smoke.”
Four commercial casinos in Kansas are exempt from the Clean Air Agreement, which banned indoor smoking in 2010. Missouri has a similar law that allows casinos to designate a percentage of their space for smoking; the number can go up to 50 percent.
The campaign is welcomed by casino employees and workers and some gamblers but is facing some pushback from other employees and unions, as it will reduce traffic and send more people to online casinos.
A similar campaign in New Jersey in 2023 failed as backers couldn’t support it with enough votes. Legislators said they would try to find another solution in works with casinos, and the result was that only 25 percent of the casino floors were allowed to smoke in.
“There could be a compromise put on the table that could bring the votes that will ensure it passes,” said Sen. Fred Madden. However, he expressed his worry that the casino’s employees would lose their jobs if the complete smoking ban was implemented.
Unite Here Local 54 President Donna Dicaprio has been one of the people who resisted the smoking ban, and a competing union has asked for her resignation. Her position may have come from the fact that local casinos’ revenue has been dropping, and it may go down further if a full smoking ban is implemented.
“She should be ashamed of herself. She should hand in her union card.” Assistant Director of United Auto Workers Ray Jensen said. Dicaprio responded, “A balance needs to be reached to protect worker health and preserve good jobs.”
News Source: fox4kc.com
