Jack Edwards   
Grave Shift, 11 ½ year employee

“I have a combination of sinus, allergy and asthma problems which are progressively worsening.  Smoke is the major cause. 

I take sinus / allergy medication every day I work.  I require none on my days off.  Imagine that!

Businesses including Foxwoods complain about the rising health costs.  In allowing smoking in the casino, Foxwoods is contributing to their own increase in costs.

We should not have to die a little every day, trying to make a living.”
 

Amone Vongsanith   
Swing Shift, 5 year employee

“A lot of people get sick from the smoking.  It’s not fair. 

In Table Games, when we’re dealing Black Jack 21, we are very close to the customers – it’s a smaller table than in Poker.

Foxwoods should take care of workers health.  If we don’t have good health, how can we work?”

Jacqueline Little
Grave Shift, 15 year employee

“About 5 years ago, Foxwoods discontinued the option for pregnant women and people with respiratory ailments to work in a totally smoke-free environment. 

While we are trying to provide a positive gaming experience for our customers, people are choking in clouds of smoke.  Just as is the case in airports, movie theaters and restaurants, we should be able to do our jobs and in a safe and healthy work environment.”

Reńe  Michaud   
Grave Shift, 12 year employee

“I’ve been a smoker for more than forty years. Even for me, the level of second hand smoke is too much.  As dealers we work in close proximity to 5-6 people smoking at a time, and the concentration in the air is just terrible. 

On grave shift we have the lowest number of people at the table.   If it’s that bad for me at my tables on grave shift, you can imagine what day and swing shift dealers are inhaling.  When I worked swing shift until about five years ago, I ended every day with a sore throat and feeling like my face was in an ashtray.   .

My son is starting BlackJack school and he has a touch of asthma and bronchitis.  I want my son to have a good job, but I am very concerned about how working at Foxwoods will affect him.”

Dave Cantor
Day Shift,  14 year employee

"I served with the U.S. Army in Vietnam, and now I deal cards.  

When I have an asthma attack
at work, I sometimes cannot speak or breathe until I can take my rescue inhaler.  I alert my supervisor by clapping as loud as  I can, clearing my hands, and stepping back from the table  before I reach for my inhaler.

I have been reprimanded for not telling my supervisor before getting my inhaler.  But if I can't breathe, I can't speak, and not using my inhaler puts my life at risk.  

I’m fearful of losing my job just because I’m protecting my life."

Dave Barry
Day Shift, Table Games Dealer, 18 year employee

“My doctor asked me how long I’ve smoked.  I told him I don’t smoke – but I secondhand 2 or 3 packs a day.  

Employees need and deserve a smoke-free workplace.”

Wei Ching Siu
Day Shift, Table Games Dealer, 4 ½ year employee

“It’s very bad for the dealers, working eight hours a day in the smoke.  It’s terrible.  My eyes get very red – I have to put in eye drops every hour.   I’ve tried wearing glasses at the table but that doesn’t really protect my eyes.  On break, we go to the restroom to splash water on our eyes.  It would be good for all of  us if our work environment was healthier.”

Hugo Romani
Swing Shift, Table Games Dealer, 13 year employee

“When people have trouble breathing, they start coughing.  But if you cough too much, they have a policy, you can’t be at the table.  You get sent home and lose your day’s pay.

I love my job, and I am proud to work at Foxwoods – I have 13 years of service. But we can make it better, a safer place to work.