Where Theres Smoke, It Wouldn Lead to Firing, page 1

New legislation is being drafted by State Senator Virg Bernero, that would make it illegal for an employer to fire employees for engaging in legal activities, like smoking, outside of the workplace. The legislation stems from new policy at Weyco Inc. that bans all smoking by its employees. In January Weyco began giving mandatory smoking tests, if an employee tests positive then they're fired.

www.latimes.com
A Michigan state lawmaker said Monday that he planned to introduce a bill to bar companies from firing employees for smoking on their own time.

The proposed "lifestyle legislation" comes in response to a policy at Weyco Inc., an employee benefits firm in Okemos, Mich., near Lansing. On Jan. 1, Weyco began randomly testing its 200 workers for nicotine use, saying it would fire those who tested positive and refused to quit smoking.

Four Weyco employees have said they were let go under the policy.

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Just how far are these companies going to go; next, the boss might be a tea toddler and tell you if you drink at home, you will be fired. I am sure you get my point.

Policies like Weyco have to be stopped, if you give them an inch now, they will want a mile the next time. There is a real simple solution to this; tell employees that smoke, they have to pay the additional money it costs the company for their insurance.

Related News Links:
www.bradenton.com

[edit on 29-3-2005 by Spectre]