News, Do you smoke cigarettes? US smokers face threat of being fired. (employees, employer)

[John1960]

WASHINGTON (AFP) - Europeans who complain about having to step outside in mid-winter to have a cigarette or not being able to enjoy a quick puff with their espresso should spare a thought for their US counterparts.

In the United States, you can lose your job for lighting up -- even on your own time.

That's what happened to Scott Rodrigues of Massachusetts, and he is suing the Scotts lawncare company for violating his privacy and civil rights.

US smokers face threat of being fired - Yahoo! News (broken link)

[Dee74]

Yeah, next it will be alcohol. It's legal too but could cause higher insurance rates for the company. Employers are already forcing employees to lose weigh/ reduce cholesterol or pay more or health care.
I'm a nurse and when drug testing was being fought in the courts I made my dad a bet the doors to the slippery slope had been opened and that drugs were only the first step. Too bad he did not live long enough to let me win just one bet with him.
Remember It's not your body anymore if you need a job, health insurance. They own you.

[nebulous1]

Originally Posted by Dee74

Yeah, next it will be alcohol. It's legal too but could cause higher insurance rates for the company. Employers are already forcing employees to lose weigh/ reduce cholesterol or pay more or health care.
I'm a nurse and when drug testing was being fought in the courts I made my dad a bet the doors to the slippery slope had been opened and that drugs were only the first step. Too bad he did not live long enough to let me win just one bet with him.
Remember It's not your body anymore if you need a job, health insurance. They own you.

Exactly why I get so angry, when the sheep keep bleating "I don't do any drugs, so I have nothing to worry about." Or, "I will do a drug test, doesn't affect me."

It DOES affect them because money rules everything, and if they can control who works for them they will.
It was a door opened, and soon, you watch, genetic testing..."Oops, you have the BRCA gene, we can't hire you."
People laugh at that, but you're right about alcohol, it is a big health risk after cigarettes, and so is obesity.
I am tired of the thought police saying, "Oh, but cigarettes are so bad for your health." Now, I don't smoke, but I protect anyone's right to in their home.
This measure to control smoking by employers isn't about your health! It is about money. People are really stupid if they think their employer cares about them.
I had one person tell me how much this one guy's employer cared about him, because when he got injured, they got him a different job he could do with the injury. I said, "they didn't care about him, they wanted him off the Long Term Disability!" What is the matter with people???!!

[GypsySoul22]

I don't smoke or drink but it's scary for a job to really have any 'say' over what you do in your life (outside of the corporation). I am sure the upper management will always be corrupt and do what THEY want--as long as the grunts 'tow the line.'

Banning smoking and alcohol during working hours is enough. What people do on their free time (as long as you show up clean and sober the next day) is not their business.

[gardener34]

Yeah, that is a slippery slope. Insurance agencies can be really sly. Next it will be overweight people. That's my prediction. That's why I don't go along with genetic testing, if insurance companies get hold of that info. it's all over folks.

[njkate]

Unbelieveable!! What's next?

[dynimagelv]

I find it terribly amusing that, a company that manufacturs and distributes PESTICIDES has a problem with smokers.......

And I am a non smoker.

[Laura707]

I find it terribly amusing that, a company that manufacturs and distributes PESTICIDES has a problem with smokers.......

And they drive their fancy cars and motor home anywhere they want. Hay, you can get away from cigarette smoke but not those fumes!

I am glad others are seeing the "BIG Picture" and realize cigarettes are just the beginning. It will not stop there. I had forgotten about alcohol, but the obesity thing has already started so alcohol will come after that has a good start. Tax! Tax! Tax! Drinkers be warned!

[appalachiangirl]

Maybe they will have to clone "genetically good "people to get "perfect employees."

[Synopsis]

Originally Posted by appalachiangirl

Maybe they will have to clone "genetically good "people to get "perfect employees."

Keep quiet. Don't give them any ideas!