[SGI News] "Oh, so you smoke? You're fired"

[SGI]

I came along this interesting news story from Michigan.
Click Here (http://heraldsun.com/business/21-574398.html)

If you're too lazy to, here's a little summary.

A company called Weyco has put forward a No Smoking policy, which is failry common. The only catch is, that it is no smoking at work OR at home. And recently they have given nicotine tests to employees and if it proves positive, you get the sack.

Weyco claim that this is to cut down health costs that smokers inhibit.


So basically, I ask the question what next? Oh so you eat at Mc Donalds? You're fired. You ski? Bye bye.

Aaaah Corporations, can't live with e'm, can't kill e'm.

[Ninja Hatake Kakashi]

oik... thats weird i have no clue what u said ><

[Zedekiah]

Hm, yes.

Though this Weyco is indeed a medical company, it would seem.

WEYCO, INC was founded in 1979, and is located in Okemos, Michigan. In 1983, we became a licensed Michigan Third Party Administrator (TPA) to administer self-funded Medical, Dental, Vision, and Short-term Disability Plans.

WEYCO, INC is a service company specializing in Employee Benefit Plans and Benefit Management.

WEYCO, INC is also an agent for Insured Plans such as Life, Long Term Disability, Medical, Dental, Vision, and Flexible Spending Accounts.

--

Kinda makes it a bit more obvious, no?

[SGI]

It does, but to fire people for smoking? I still think that is utterly outrageous. It's almost like firing somebody due to sexual preference (note the almost).

[Myrra]

Hey no cracks on that, SGI. Not everyone is born...nvm.
Well, if the company insists on being discriminatory it should be equally so...and go after those who are grossly overweight as their health problems are just as bad as a smoker's.

[SGI]

Let us not forget hardcore drug addicts, people with disabilities, drinkers, people who play violent video games etc...

[Myrra]

Of course not. Who can forget all of that? Alcohol does a lot of damage as well, not only to the drinker but to those who may have the misfortune to cross their path.

[Zedekiah]

I don't mind.

I'd say smoke the smokers.

They're already going on about killing themselves. Why not give them a hand?

[Fabala]

Hey no cracks on that, SGI. Not everyone is born...nvm.

o.O That was his point, though...that it would be outrageous to do so. Almost as, of course...because a person CAN choose whether to smoke or not.

[red storm]

Let us not forget hardcore drug addicts, people with disabilities, drinkers, people who play violent video games etc...
It's surprising to see how many people believe that Alcohol is a hardrug. Drugs are Illegal, but a lot of persons who shout that drink like mad.

[Pakachu]

Gah... thats frick'n shady!
i can understand no smokeing at the work place but to straight out fire you for smokeing.... dang....

SGI: dude... you forgot liveing!! i mean heck, if we wernt alive heathcare costs would be like nothing man!
::Falls over::

[Myrra]

Yes, living is a very dangerous thing, as is living in a home with asbestos or lead paint...or any of a number of other hazardous things. Let's eliminate motorcycles too while we're at it & fire those who ride them! They are inherently dangerous after all!

[Princess Minako]

meh I say go Michigan. I don't see issues with it, but I do know that smoking can cause a variety of health defects that will last well into years, even after you quit. Afterall it is a healthcare company. I think everyone should stop smoking.... but thats personal. Yeay for them :P !

The Goddess has Spoken

[Variable_Gunbuster]

Hm, yes.

Though this Weyco is indeed a medical company, it would seem.

WEYCO, INC was founded in 1979, and is located in Okemos, Michigan. In 1983, we became a licensed Michigan Third Party Administrator (TPA) to administer self-funded Medical, Dental, Vision, and Short-term Disability Plans.

WEYCO, INC is a service company specializing in Employee Benefit Plans and Benefit Management.

WEYCO, INC is also an agent for Insured Plans such as Life, Long Term Disability, Medical, Dental, Vision, and Flexible Spending Accounts.

--

Kinda makes it a bit more obvious, no?There you go. I think it makes sence that a company that's so involved in health, should care about their employees. Smoking is pointless anyways, so whenever I get the chance to have a stand I'll always oppose it....meh:<_<:

[Tsuna Kadiri]

I understand if the company doesn't want their employees smoking at work, but at home? Whoever said the company has control over your actions? Your life? I don't agree with smoking, it's a sure fire way to become ill, but it's your choice. Nobody should be taking away your right to do so.

[Isunamaru]

I understand if the company doesn't want their employees smoking at work, but at home? Whoever said the company has control over your actions? Your life? I don't agree with smoking, it's a sure fire way to become ill, but it's your choice. Nobody should be taking away your right to do so.
I cant agree more, people should be able to retain their freedom...This is starting to remind me of the book 'Fahrenheit 451'....

[Bean Bandit]

I know the state of Maine has banned all smoking in public places, like restraunts and bars and etc... Massachusettes also banned smoking I believe from public places. With all my travelling that I do, it is odd, that washington, DC still allows it, or maybe they dont, and everyone I see doing it, just ignore the laws...

[Tsuna Kadiri]

I know the state of Maine has banned all smoking in public places, like restraunts and bars and etc... Massachusettes also banned smoking I believe from public places. With all my travelling that I do, it is odd, that washington, DC still allows it, or maybe they dont, and everyone I see doing it, just ignore the laws...
That's just insane. Don't people have freedom these days? My, my........... The laws they make now. :<_<:

[Isunamaru]

my prediction for the next 20 years is that the US will end up like Russia and the government will try to redistribute the wealth which will cause more of a rift between the rich and the poor

[Tsuna Kadiri]

my prediction for the next 20 years is that the US will end up like Russia and the government will try to redistribute the wealth which will cause more of a rift between the rich and the poor
I agree. The way things are now, we're headed down that path. :(

[Himura Enishi]

Whoever said the company has control over your actions? Your life?

privatized (sp?) companies can set whatever rules and consequences they feel nessecary, thats where reading the fine lines pay off. We talked about this in my Freedom In America class...basically, yes it is a low blow, but I think I remember being a part in the employee contract that stated about 'hazardous actions' that can allow the company to fire them. Also a similar action can get you fired from gov't positions, a.k.a alcohol. If you work in the gov't with secret clearance and drink, they consider you a hazard because when you drink they assume secret information may be talked about and compromised.

[Tsuna Kadiri]

privatized (sp?) companies can set whatever rules and consequences they feel nessecary, thats where reading the fine lines pay off. We talked about this in my Freedom In America class...basically, yes it is a low blow, but I think I remember being a part in the employee contract that stated about 'hazardous actions' that can allow the company to fire them. Also a similar action can get you fired from gov't positions, a.k.a alcohol. If you work in the gov't with secret clearance and drink, they consider you a hazard because when you drink they assume secret information may be talked about and compromised.
That makes sense. Doing that for the good of the company and all, but still......

Hmm, I suppose that saying "Not everything in life is fair" applies here. It applies to alot of things as a matter of fact.

[Ami~chan]

O.o Next thing ya know, they'll be firing athletic people because they may get hurt playing football, and coach potatos cause they don't stop watching the tube!
This is all just all a ball of pooh. Is that any different from refusing to hire a certain race? BlAH...

[Fabala]

Well, yes. One is a choice and the other isn't, no?

[Himura Enishi]

Is that any different from refusing to hire a certain race?

Yes, different races arent choosing to shorten their life spans and possibly cost the company money via health plans....With the level of competition in the American job market, picking and choosing people who will do the most and cost the least to companies is a very viable option

[Myrra]

*sigh* I suppose you have a point. I still don't have to like it.

and I don't even smoke...it's just that I hate being told what I can or cannot do in my own home.

[Kenshin Himura (O.o)]

I agree with myrra, I dont smoke, can't be around people who do...and think it is plain stupid anyway...but I still think u have the right to do what u want, when u want to...

[Ami~chan]

I don't smoke either; what I meant by "Is it any different than refusing to hire people of a certain" race is that it is discrimination against people who smoke, in a way, and very wrong. I want to be able to come home, watch tv, play on the computer, and I wouldn't like it if my employer said I couldn't do those things.

[Mariya Shidō]

If they want to work at the company they have to do what the company demands . Wouldnt it be discriminating to to demand non-smokers to work side by side with those smelling smokers ? And about races and lifespans , i think lifespans are influenced by your life conditions , not the race . And as far as i know hard drug addicts and alcoholics usually dont keep their jobs for long .

[macus alexander]

discrimonation is a bad thing just because the smoke dosent mean they should be fired if they dont smoke at work that should satisfie them thats like saying if you watch anime at home you cant work here is that fair?

[Kenshin Himura (O.o)]

yes, i see what u mean, some people can be mpicky morons when comes to this stuff, but i guess they have their reason...no matter how stupid or inconvenient.
by the way Macus, i like what u done, good job!

[Zedekiah]

The laws they make now. :<_<:
Oh, they have it over here as well.

And I love it :3

My dad on the other hand, who has been smoking for about 43 years, thinks it's some conspiracy against him and his smoking habbits. Although, it mostly applies to resturants and other places the like. Which is a bit odd, since my father never eats out.

But I did say he'd be better of simply using a gun to blow away his last lung.

Then he said something about smoking at his day and age was a sign of becomin' of age.

(at that point I was having a good time laughing)

--

So, who's smoking in here? And what's your solid, haha, reason for doing so?

I want to hear weak lies from each and every smoker here.

(I know it's off topic, just merely add a small comment to future replies of the thread if you're a smoker)

[Himura Enishi]

discrimonation is a bad thing just because the smoke dosent mean they should be fired if they dont smoke at work that should satisfie them thats like saying if you watch anime at home you cant work here is that fair?

Minus anime not having a surgeon general warning on it and the known fact to decrease your lifespan and also cost people MONEY from health plans they get when they join the company.

[macus alexander]

yes, i see what u mean, some people can be mpicky morons when comes to this stuff, but i guess they have their reason...no matter how stupid or inconvenient.
by the way Macus, i like what u done, good job!your on your way to becoming a SeeD cadet

[Isunamaru]

If they want to work at the company they have to do what the company demands . Wouldnt it be discriminating to to demand non-smokers to work side by side with those smelling smokers ? And about races and lifespans , i think lifespans are influenced by your life conditions , not the race . And as far as i know hard drug addicts and alcoholics usually dont keep their jobs for long .
Yeah, but it wouldn't be discriminating if the smokers were not allowed to smoke in the building....the main problem i have with this is that it also restricts people in their own homes, and if a company can do that what does that show? it shows that companies are getting to many rights and that normal people are losing them

[Princess Minako]

Private property is just that, private property you can do as you wish and tell people what they can and cannot do all you want. I.e. you can tell people to not smoke in your home, hotels can make non smoking rooms, any privately owned building can tell you that you cannot smoke or do cartwheels in the lobby.

They are making a stipened that you cannot smoke if you have this job. This is in all actuality perfectly legal, there are casino's in vegas that are well known for having very attractive cocktail waitresses, and they said that if your body weight increases more than 7% from time of hire that you are suspended without pay until you lose the weight. If you work there you signed the contract agreeing to their terms and conditions. I say more power to them, so :P on you all.

The Goddess has Spoken

[Cypher]

Ha! I'm learning aobut Businesses and Law in college right now, and Minako IS right. When you're at your own private property, they shouldn't tell you what to do. I mean, that's just bizzare. Unless that person does sign something important towards the company, then that's their own fault.

I should look more into this...

[Princess Minako]

Minako is always right, you'll learn this sooner or later :P but I'm sure that they are requiring the employees to sign a contract twords this, they wouldn't just start randomly implimenting it. And they do have a contract, I'm sure as per they're not completely stupid, that says that conditions of employment can and will change at will per mandate of the company.

The Goddess has Spoken

[Tsuna Kadiri]

Oh, they have it over here as well.

And I love it :3


Wow, they have it where you are too........I guess I'm not too law oriented. *sighs* Ah well, it's something to look into.

The principle of this thing isn't really the smoking, to some extent it is, but it's more about your rights. Even though the worker has a choice to leave, and not conform to the company's rules, it just doesn't seem right. But like I said, life's not fair. You have to suck it up and deal with it once in a while......

[Princess Minako]

its not infringement on your rights if the company is asking you to voluntarily give those rights up and you voluntarily agree. So its actually perfectly fair.

The Goddess has Spoken

[macus alexander]

i dont smoke but i do belive people can smoke if they want to its the same in england smoking is banned in most public places but it dosent stop people doing it it just makes them more angry

[Princess Minako]

oh the horrible, terrible cruelty........

You can't smoke out in the open where you can harm everyone else, you have to only do it in private where you only harm yourself. ugh, how will you live?

The Goddess has Spoken

[macus alexander]

its ok in councl owned property but there are big firms which have smokong rooms but they are now told they cant have smoking rooms or allow the smoker ciggaret brakes to go outside