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Borgata Policies Under Investigation

NEW JERSEY – As reported by the New Jersey Star-Ledger: "When they heard about the exclusive lounge, free access to the spa, the uniforms created by one of the country's hottest designers, women from all over wanted to be cocktail waitresses at Borgata -- so-called 'Borgata babes.'

"….The 'Borgata babes' grabbed national attention earlier this year when the casino imposed new weight standards: The girls -- and in A.C., even the waitresses call themselves "girls" -- can get fired if they gain too much weight.

"Borgata officials say the policy is necessary because the 'babes' are important to their brand, and thus are expected to maintain a certain image.

"…But a number of Borgata babes say the policy is simply humiliating. The union that represents the waitresses says it's discrimination. And the state Division of Civil Rights has launched an investigation into the matter, two sources with knowledge of the probe said.

"The waitresses said that since the policy went into effect, a 'babe' can't have mayo on her sandwich or fries on the side without unofficial diet cops asking if she really needs it. Gamblers and dealers have started a new game: guess a 'babe's' weight.

"…The union that represents the servers, Local 54 of UNITE HERE, has filed a grievance and is considering other legal options, its president, Bob McDevitt, said. The case has been sent to arbitration.

"…'The policy sets women back 25 years,' Devitt said.

"…Under Borgata's policy, employees were weighed in February to establish a baseline weight; all new 'babes' will be weighed when hired. Those who gain more than 7 percent of their body weight will be put on a 90-day leave. Borgata will offer a personal trainer and nutritionist, but if servers can't lose the weight, they will be fired. Pregnant servers get 90 days to get back in shape after their maternity leave.

"...Waitresses also worry the policy is a veiled form of age discrimination, a way for Borgata to maintain a young staff. They are concerned about eating disorders, and that pregnant workers may not gain enough weight to have healthy babies..."

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