Indiana group fights for LaPorte casinos to be included in smoke-free legislation
Indiana group fights for LaPorte casinos to be included in smoke-free legislation Save Email Print
Posted: 7:45 PM Jul 29, 2008
 Last Updated: 7:45 PM Jul 29, 2008
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LaPorte County is the latest to talk about the possibility of going smoke-free.

One group working for change is made up of area casino workers.

Although there are many smoke-free initiatives that are in place in cities throughout the country, casinos are frequently exempt.

And the consequences of on-the-job, secondhand smoke exposure are all too real for Jennifer Guillermain.

Guillermain has worked for 24 years in Atlantic City casinos and has suffered medical side-effects from the secondhand smoke.

She is in Michigan City to help voice support for casinos to be included in the smoke-free workplaces.

"The question is, why should I and other casino workers choose between our lives and our livelihood?" she says. "It's extremely important that smoke-free air acts cover all people and protect all workers."

The Indiana Campaign for Smokefree Air will be speaking at the LaPorte County Board of Public Health meeting Tuesday night in support of casino workers
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Posted by: Laura Location: Carmel on Jul 30, 2008 at 03:27 PM
Saying "get another Job" or "Go somewhere else" does not change Jennifer's situation at the moment. Also, in this economy, it is not so easy to just get another job. It may very well be a second job in which the flexible hours are the reason . What do you think about first when looking for a job? 1) you have the knowledge or skills 2)You can or would like to do it 3) It fits the hours you are looking for 3) It pays a wage you can live on 4) Does it have medical or dental benefits? Over time? vacation? 5) How far away is it? drive? bus? If more people had the real knowledge about secondhand smoke and its danger to us then maybe that would be on the list. Most people put it at the end of the list because of the basic needs of food, housing, etc...Most people just need a job too bad and are in denial about the chemicals and carcinogens in it. This doesn't mean that they deserve to have a healthy work environment like office workers everywhere.
Posted by: aj Location: sb on Jul 30, 2008 at 07:43 AM
It's suprising to me that anyone ever lived past age 20 back in the day when there were no smoking bans. If I was a non smoker that didn't want to be exposed to cancerous things I'd just stay in my house and never ever come out again. If a casino had no smoking I DEFINATELY wouldn't gamble there weather I smoked or not.
Posted by: Edward Location: Mi on Jul 29, 2008 at 11:03 PM
Jennifer, you better look for another job. Some People like to smoke when they are gambling. That's it. Try and take away everyones FREEDOM one inch at a time. Why can't things stay the same instead of all this B.S ? You are nuts ! Go Green even though you should realize it's to late for you , along time ago.
Posted by: Peter Location: Indianapolis on Jul 29, 2008 at 09:31 PM
I don't know why casino staff and customers wouldn't be entitled to the same protection from secondhand smoke as anyone else?! This is a definitely a public health issue and all venues should be treated equally.
Posted by: Anon Location: S. Bend on Jul 29, 2008 at 08:52 PM
Here's just a plain-jane thought - why not choose to apply and work ELSEWHERE?! Casinos have a liquor license and is 21 and over (I think? Don't frequent it, if wrong, I'm sorry)... if bars are exempt, how the heck can they make casinos exempt? Do you know how much business they would lose?! Those workers took the jobs knowing it was a smoking establishment when they had every CHOICE not to. Have a non-smoking floor, perhaps - not an entire casino. Be somewhat realistic here for once, please!?
Posted by: H on Jul 29, 2008 at 08:34 PM
I do not understand why the whole state of Indiana is not smoke-free.
Posted by: Bill Location: Osceola on Jul 29, 2008 at 08:28 PM
Why don't these "do gooders butt out? If the smoke bothers you...go somewhere else for enjoyment or employment.

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