'There's documented dangers to secondhand smoke': Smoking at Potawatomi concerns labor activist about health of casino employees

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- A lounge at Potawatomi Hotel and Casino is once again fair game for smokers.

The controversial rule has brought up concerns for area labor rights groups.

The rebirth of smoking in the lounge is a move labor advocates say can put some employees at risk.

"We are very concerned about the health of the workers at Potawatomi," said Pam Fendt, President of Milwaukee Area Labor Council, an organization dedicated to protecting the rights of unionized workers.

Although Potawatomi is not a union shop, Fendt said she sees a health problem with smoking in the lounge.

"There's documented dangers to secondhand smoke, it's why it's been banned from restaurants, theaters and taverns, said Fendt.

The casino did away with smoking in 2020 because of COVID-19. The removal was praised by the American Lung Association.

Now, with smoking making a comeback, it has people wondering what hand the casino employees are being dealt.

"Really a worker fighting for themselves, by themselves," said Fendt.

Potawatomi released the following statement in response:

"The decision to provide a small, indoor space for our guests who smoke was one of accommodation.

Some of our guests are smokers, and they have been asking for this. This is a 4,000-square-foot, well-ventilated space on a 1.3-million-square-foot property. It’s on a mezzanine level located away from other casino amenities.

Guests who have appreciated a smoke-free environment will not experience any change."