Unions oppose Connecticut casino smoking ban

Friday, March 7, 2008  

The New London-Norwich Building and Construction Trades Council is opposing a bill that would ban smoking at tribal casinos in Connecticut.

The unions, which represent 15,000 construction works, say the ban would damage their relationships with the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation and the Mohegan Tribe. They asked state lawmakers to delay the bill to protect jobs and tribal sovereignty [PDF: Letter].

The smoking ban is being pushed by another union. The United Auto Workers, which represents about 3,000 card dealers at the Mashantucket casino, says second hand smoke health hazard.

The ban would apply to parts of the Foxwoods Resort Casino and the Mohegan Sun Casino that operate under state liquor licenses. That would include the gaming floor and bars and restaurants.

Get the Story:
Casino Smoking Ban Draws Opposition (The New London Day 3/7)
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Unions speak against casino smoking ban (The Norwich Bulletin 3/7)