Can it happen in Canada?

[bornonaug9]

January 24, 2005, 2:53 PM

LANSING, Mich. (AP) -- Four employees of Okemos-based health benefits administrator Weyco Inc. have been fired for refusing to take a test that would determine whether they smoke cigarettes.

The company instituted a policy on Jan. 1 that makes it a firing offense to smoke -- even if done after business hours or at home, the Lansing State Journal reported Monday.

Weyco founder Howard Weyers said previously that he instituted the tough anti-smoking rule to shield his company from high health care costs.

"I don't want to pay for the results of smoking," he said.

The anti-smoking rule led one employee to quit work before the policy went into place. Since Jan. 1, four more people were shown the door when they balked at the anti-smoking test.

"They were terminated at that point," said Chief Financial Officer Gary Climes.

Even so, Weyco said, the policy has been successful. Climes estimated that about 18 to 20 of the company's 200 employers were smokers when the policy was announced in 2003.

Of those, as many as 14 quit smoking before the policy went into place. Weyco offered them smoking cessation help, Climes said.

"That is absolutely a victory," Climes said.

 

[matrix2004]

You've gotta be kidding.

 

[Keebler Elf]

No, it could not happen in Canada.

An employer can institute whatever policy they want. And a court will just as easily overturn it and either reinstate or reimburse a terminated employee.

Canadian employment law is pretty clear on how far an employer's policies can extend into the lives of employees. Unless the employee's activities have a direct impact on the running of the company, then the employer cannot limit those activities. What's next, an employer banning homosexuals from working at the company b/c they have a higher risk of HIV transmission? Ridiculous.

That being said, smokers can pay greater premiums as they do represent greater health risks. But they can't be terminated for smoking at home.

p.s. leave the fearmongering at the door...

 

[auto doctor]

The Wacko Company of America is also going to issue policy agaisnt being fat and drinking bozee you will be fired.

** ..that should get rid of the remaining staff **
** I guess your education or credentials have no use at the company**

 

[heavy_meat]

No, it could not happen in Canada.

Oh really, then how about this?

http://www.cancer.ca/ccs/internet/jobdesclist/0,,3543_319705_352496404_langId-en.html

So, the next time the cancer society comes knocking at your door, it might be interesting to ask why they wouldn't hire a smoker? Are they know effectively disallowing anyone from smoking at home?

--HM

 

[HafDun]

Oh really, then how about this?

http://www.cancer.ca/ccs/internet/jobdesclist/0,,3543_319705_352496404_langId-en.html

So, the next time the cancer society comes knocking at your door, it might be interesting to ask why they wouldn't hire a smoker? Are they know effectively disallowing anyone from smoking at home?

--HM

The position involves being a spokesperson for the cancer society. It would be a contadiction to preach the views of the society and be a smoker. As such, they should be in their right to advertise for a non smoker. Not quite the same thing as mandating that existing employees can no longer partake in a legal habit when not at work.

 

[n_v]

I personally love this action. There are more examples of this :

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tm...s_latimes/costsmakeemployersseesmokersasadrag

In the USA where private health insurance is a way of life and public health care is non-existent many bigger corporations pay for their employees health care plan. If the company is footing the bill they have every right to not hire people who smoke to limit their bottom line IMHO. But what really is the end result of this poeple. The employees who quit would be healthier. What a concept!!

 

[Cardinal Fang]

What's next?

Do you go after those that are overweight, drink alcohol, have speeding tickets, have a family history of heart disease?

While I admire what they are trying to do my hunch is that this has more to do with reducing their bottom line costs then it does with promoting good health.

 

[auto doctor]

I'm a black disabled lesbian speak only french transvestite. I should be okay to apply?? And most important non- smoker.

 

[xarir]

While I admire what they are trying to do my hunch is that this has more to do with reducing their bottom line costs then it does with promoting good health.

Agreed. With the exception of fitness companies & maybe the Cancer Society, I doubt there is a major corporation out there that really gives a rats ass about the health of their employees. Unless of course, said major corporations have to pay for it. Then it becomes Important.

 

[Asterix]

Another example of why health insurance in the states is a joke. What's next? A genome test to find out what diseases you're prone to come down with to determine if you're employable or not?