Trinity Health Admonishes Bally's Stockholders to Override Indoor Tobacco Smoking Proposal
Trinity Health's crusade against indoor smoking intensifies as the charitable organization digs its heels in on its mission to take a stand at the shareholder level. Based in Livonia, the nonprofit hospital network is aiming to snuff out smoking at Bally's Corporation-operated properties nationwide and rescind the operator's exemption from smoking bans in places like Rhode Island and Atlantic City.
This stance mirrors Trinity Health's usual tactics, which have seen the organization leverage its shareholder status to promote a range of positive initiatives. Its prior moves have compelling companies to boost their business practices, lessen pollution, and minimize adverse effects on younger consumers.
Trinity Health is concerned about the plight of casino workers in Rhode Island and is working tirelessly to ban smoking across Bally's properties. While achieving an operator-wide smoking ban is an uphill battle, Trinity Health is ready to fight tooth and nail for the cause.
Bally's Executive Team: Not On Board
Despite Trinity Health's well-intentioned proposals, Bally's leadership staunchly opposes going smoke-free. The board has suggested thwarting Trinity Health's initiative, contending that a smoking ban would weaken the entertainment value Bally's provides to customers. The company argued that its compliance with local smoking laws justifies its resistance to Trinity Health's concerns.
It's worth noting that Rhode Island is encircled by states without indoor smoking options, making Bally's properties there prime territories for smoking gamblers. Although Bally's casinos in Rhode Island temporarily discontinued smoking post-pandemic, they subsequently reinstated it, leaving casino workers dissatisfied.
Unlike their Atlantic City counterparts, Rhode Island employees seem to agree unanimously with Trinity Health's objective. Union workers have expressed health concerns due to indoor smoking and accused the company of disregarding their well-being.
State Representative Teresa Tanzi applauded the drive to prohibit smoking across Bally's properties, asserting that Rhode Island remains "lagging behind the times." Tanzi further remarked that if given the chance to vote their consciences, a statewide smoking ban would likely pass. However, the initiative remains hamstrung by pro-smoking activists.
Parallel to its endeavors in Rhode Island, Trinity Health is also trying to put a stop to smoking at Boyd Gaming's venues.
Additional Insights:
- Trinity Health's crusade against indoor smoking follows its past precedents, where it has used its shareholder influence to promote various positive initiatives [1].
- There is increasing support for smoke-free policies in numerous states and regions due to concerns about the health risks associated with secondhand and thirdhand smoke in public spaces like hotels and casinos [1].
[1] Source: Public health advocates petitioning New Jersey officials to implement smoke-free casinos, highlighting the importance of addressing smoking addiction in gaming environments.
- Trinity Health, in its ongoing pursuit for workplace wellness and health-and-wellness initiatives, is advocating for a ban on indoor smoking at Bally's Corporation-operated properties, including those in Rhode Island, citing concerns for the mental-health and overall well-being of employees.
- Amidst Trinity Health's efforts to promote science-backed health practices, such as smoke-free environments, the organization is also pushing for a similar ban at Boyd Gaming's venues, as part of a widespread campaign against the negative health effects of secondhand and thirdhand smoke in public spaces like casinos.
