The ongoing dispute over casino smoking in Atlantic City has created a significant divide between two major unions representing casino workers.

Unite Here Local 54, representing non-gaming workers like housekeepers and waitstaff, supports maintaining current smoking policies. Their president, Donna DeCaprio, argues that a smoking ban could drive customers to nearby Philadelphia casinos, potentially threatening jobs and revenue.

In opposition, United Auto Workers Region 9, which represents table game dealers and other gaming-facing employees, advocates for a complete smoking ban to protect worker health. These employees face direct exposure to secondhand smoke during their shifts.

Current New Jersey law allows casinos to designate 25% of their floor space for smoking under the 2006 Smokefree Air Act. Despite having sufficient support to pass smoking ban legislation, Democratic leaders have delayed action at the casinos' request. The Casino Association of New Jersey has proposed compromise solutions, including enclosed smoking rooms with voluntary staff assignments.

The conflict has become increasingly heated, with UAW's Ray Jensen calling for DeCaprio's resignation. DeCaprio maintains her position, emphasizing the need to balance worker health with job preservation, citing concerns about potential casino closures affecting 25,000 jobs.

This debate occurs against a backdrop of declining casino performance, with Atlantic City casino profits dropping 14% in the third quarter to $236.6 million. While brick-and-mortar gaming revenue has decreased slightly, online gaming and sports betting continue to support the industry's overall stability.

The unions' disagreement reflects broader tensions between protecting worker health and maintaining economic stability in Atlantic City's casino industry, with no immediate resolution in sight.

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