2006-11-30 12:59:56 · 24 answers · asked by love_my_dodge 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
Stop smoking. Them he won't take your money, and you will be healthier!
2006-11-30 13:02:11 · answer #1 · answered by Bawney 6 · 0⤊ 4⤋
That is tricky. In some cases it could be legal. He could legally lower your wages by an equivalent amount. You then have the option of quitting. He can legally charge for recovery of related expenses. In extreme cases, dishwashers pay for the dishes they break. A place should be provided for you to smoke. It is that simple. If a place is not provided, then the associated fees might be legal though unethical.
Really, there are too many different ways of doing the same thing. Some are legal and others aren't. They are all unethical.
I suggest you document the situation and circumstances. Contact a labor board or lawyer. This may even go into sexual harassment though the harassment is not sexual in nature. You are guaranteed a reasonably comfortable work environment. I wouldn't be comfortable with such treatment.
2006-11-30 13:45:51 · answer #2 · answered by Jack 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That depends. I have seen that done before as a requirement to get a group rate. This is done usually for long term disability insurance though and I have never seen it done for an HMO. You may want to submit a letter in writing to your union asking them to better explain this policy and keep a copy of that letter. If you do not get a satisfactory answer, then you might want to check with your state labor board.
2016-05-23 06:33:16 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
What is it for? Has your employer explained that? If it is because you are a smoker, then I think it would be illegal. It would definitely be discrimination. You can't be fired for being a smoker either. Also discrimination.
2006-11-30 13:08:40 · answer #4 · answered by QueenChristine 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is not legal, but I can understand it, especially if smoking is allowed in your work place. Maintenance costs for the residuals of smoking can be costly, especially in air conditioning systems that utilize air filters. There is also the cost of cleaning windows and walls, and the occasional 'oh sh-t!' when a smoker inadvertently puts a cigarette in the trash can with paper in it.
2006-11-30 13:04:17 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Fire the greedy ..........
Surely there is a labour board you can
speak to.
How does he know you smoke? Is the employer prying?
Is smoking question on a job application?
Did you take a physical test on being hired?
It's discriminatory!
2006-11-30 13:15:19 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
That depends.
How much does he take out each week if you drink? How much if you have a bad driving record? How much if your family has a history of drug abuse? How much if your just generally a risk taker?
Where's this policy stop?
In other words - OF COURSE IT'S DISCRIMINATORY AND THEREFORE ILLEGAL !
2006-11-30 13:08:24 · answer #7 · answered by LeAnne 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That is absolutely discrimination against smokers. What is his reasoning for it? Are you sure it isn't a more expensive premium for tobacco users on your healthcare - then it would be justified.
2006-11-30 13:02:42 · answer #8 · answered by Mike 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Check with EEOC, Internal revenue Service, your state labor/employment board and put your employer on ripoffreport.com. I'm pretty sure it's illegal.
2006-11-30 13:20:43 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Could you be a tad more specific? Are you a smoker? What has health insurance to do with it? Etc. I'm an attorney. Not really. I hate most attornies.
2006-11-30 13:03:26 · answer #10 · answered by Johnny P 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋
I would say this is terribly illegal, except for the fact that companies are allowed to fire smokers these days. I can't see how this wouldn't be seen as discrimnation
2006-11-30 13:01:38 · answer #11 · answered by king_o_cutz 2 · 3⤊ 1⤋