Smoking case: win for hotel workers

Date: 02 May 2001

PASSIVE SMOKING DECISION A WIN FOR THOUSANDS OF HOSPITALITY WORKERS

" Our union has been lobbying the industry and all state governments to get changes to smoking laws in hotels, casinos, clubs and restaurants. The issue of passive smoking has been a time bomb ticking away for years," Tim Ferrari said.

The LHMU has had some small wins in their passive smoking campaign in the casino, café and restaurant industries, but their campaign to extend the bans further has come up against industry opposition - especially from the Australian Hotels Association.

" No hospitality worker should have to play Russian Roulette with their lives each day they go to work.

" In casinos, pubs and clubs where smoking can be very intensive - especially when you are working eight-to-ten hour shifts - our members have been complaining and suffering for too long."

Mr Ferrari said the LHMU congratulates club worker , Marlene Sharp, for having the courage to battle on while suffering throat cancer.

" Marlene Sharp has not just stood up for herself - and won significant compensation - but she has effectively stood up for the rights of all hospitality workers, " Tim Ferrari said.

Ms Sharp, 61, sued the Port Kembla RSL Club for negligence in the Supreme Court . The RSL Club has been found negligent and Ms Sharp has been awarded $450,000 compensation.

The LHMU proudly represents more than 150,000 hard working women and men throughout Australia.

For further info:

Tim Ferrari, LHMU Assistant National Secretary.

02 8204 7224 or 042 524 2727

For further information

Contact:	Andrew Casey
Union:	Liquor, Hospitality and Miscellaneous Workers Union
Phone:	8204 7206
Fax:	92821 4480
Email:	andrewc@lhmu.org.au
WWW:	http://www.lhmu.org.au/

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