Lupo, President of the Casino Association of New Jersey (CANJ), was caught on camera saying he did not believe that “30 people walking down the boardwalk represent the 21,000 employees” of Atlantic City’s casinos.
In response, Casino Employees Against Smoking’s Effects (CEASE) issued a statement calling on Lupo to issue an apology for his comments, saying he “should not be mocking casino employees who simply want a safe workplace.”
Amid the Garden State’s ongoing smoking saga, tempers have flared up time and again as both sides butt heads over whether people should be allowed to light up in Atlantic City’s casinos.
Lupo and the CANJ are staunchly opposed to any measure that would outlaw indoor smoking, while various non-profit organisations and state politicians have supported a bill banning the activity.
The casino boss’ latest comments came during a Public Relations Council lunch in Atlantic City, and were swiftly met with condemnation from CEASE.
“Whether it’s 30 workers or the thousands who have joined CEASE, we deserve respect and a voice in our own health and safety,” said Pete Naccarelli, Co-founder of CEASE.
“Even worse, though, is that Joe Lupo is leading the fight to keep forcing us to breathe second-hand smoke on the job, employing tired scare tactics and hanging on to outdated business practices.
“Joe Lupo owes an apology to the thousands of Atlantic City casino workers who are bravely speaking up against casino bosses like him.”
