[Intl-tobacco] Australia: Crown Casino workers to push for smoking ban

[Robert Weissman]

Crown Casino workers to push for smoking ban
AAP (Australian Associated Press), 2001-12-13
MELBOURNE, Dec 13 AAP* Published: Thursday December 13, 2:31 AM

Melbourne's Crown Casino staff will urge the Victorian government
today to implement a smoking ban in all gaming areas by next July or
face possible industrial action.

Workers could consider an industrial campaign if representatives of
Health Minister John Thwaites cannot guarantee a ban on smoking in
gaming venues.

Liquor, Hospitality and Miscellaneous Workers Union (LHMU) delegates
will meet today with Mr Thwaites's representatives, calling for a
timetable for extended smoking bans.

The delegates will then report back to the union's Crown Casino
members this afternoon, where plans to begin industrial action could
then be hatched if the government cannot guarantee a ban.

LHMU state secretary Brian Daley said members - who made up one
third of workers at Crown, city and suburban hotels and gaming
venues - were frustrated by the government's attitude towards
banning smoking in their workplace.

"They're playing with the health and lives of young workers," he
said.

"In no other area have governments, especially the Victorian
government, been as lax about workplace health and safety."

Australian Hotels Association national head Richard Mulcahy said
many hotels had already designated special non-smoking gaming areas
and improved ventilation.

Mr Mulcahy said despite the union's calls, there was an expectation
from a large percentage of customers that they could have a
cigarette in a bar or gaming area.

A spokeswoman for Mr Thwaites said the government was looking at a
total smoking ban in hospitality areas but had not set a timeframe
for its implementation.

She said the government needed time to ensure the move was
implemented as smoothly as the recent legislation which banned
smoking in restaurants and all eating areas.