A leading New Jersey casino workers union wants the head of a different union to resign due to her opposition to a full ban on indoor smoking. [Image: Shutterstock.com]

Atlantic City casino workers have tried in vain to get a full ban on indoor smoking at their workplaces. Legal and legislative attempts have been unsuccessful, and now people aren’t happy with one casino union leader’s opposition to closing the loophole that currently allows smoking on 25% of a gaming floor.

United Auto Workers (UAW) Region 9 assistant director Ray Jensen called on the boss of another union to step down, saying tobacco companies influenced her.

her stance is that introducing a ban would lead to thousands of job losses

Donna DeCaprio heads up the 10,000-member Local 54 of Unite Here, and her stance is that introducing a ban would lead to thousands of job losses. The union points out that up to 72% of land-based revenue comes from smoking gaming sections.

She believes the UAW “is eager to sacrifice the entire casino industry and put 25,000 good jobs with benefits at risk.” DeCaprio wants a more balanced approach to help protect both sides.

Fresh legal action commenced on Monday involving Casino Employees Against Smoking’s Effects (CEASE), which appealed an August ruling that kept the 25% smoking rule in the state’s nine casinos.