Statement by Joseph Carbon, Director of the TWU Gaming Division on Progress Toward a Collective Bargaining Agreement and Status of a Lawsuit Brought by Some Casino Workers Against Wynn Las Vegas Regarding Second-Hand Smoke

"TWU is working in partnership with Wynn Las Vegas (Wynn) to finalize a collective bargaining agreement for Wynn’s table games dealers. Despite the difficult economic environment confronting the gaming industry, this working relationship and partnership between TWU and Wynn has been a success. Wynn has worked diligently with the union over the past 30 months, to reach a mutually beneficial agreement addressing multiple issues important to casino dealers and their jobs.

"A lawsuit has recently been filed against Wynn in the United States District Court, District of Nevada, charging Wynn with breaching a duty owed to its employees to maintain a workplace reasonably safe from second-hand smoke. The suit, filed by a current Wynn dealer on behalf of current and future employees, seeks an injunction ordering Wynn to take measures to protect its employees from second-hand smoke.

"While it has been alleged that Wynn has taken no measures to reduce second-hand smoke in the casino, and has failed to install effective air filtration/purification systems that would minimize the amount of second-hand smoke in the air --TWU respectfully disagrees. The union has been working and is continuing to work with Wynn Las Vegas to create a safe working environment for all its employees.

"As part of our work, TWU has conducted an independent investigation into the engineering, design, and effectiveness of the air filtration systems at Wynn Las Vegas. The comprehensive systems in place are based upon state of the art designs, and include all of the most advanced technology. The systems are similar to, and even more advanced than, the 'high tech air filtration system at Bellagio Hotel & Casino' (constructed and formerly maintained, owned, and operated by Wynn), and the 'smoke free corridors' at the Palazzo Hotel & Casino, both of which were lauded in the complaint. In fact, we believe that Wynn has air filtration systems that are as good as or better than any other property on the Strip.

"Since the opening of Wynn in 2005, Wynn management has maintained a high degree of commitment to the health, safety and welfare of its employees. The commitment continues today, in partnership with TWU, and will continue well into the future."

Transport Workers Union of America (TWU)
Media Relations
Jamie Horwitz, 202/549-4921
jhdcpr@starpower.net