No-Smokers Policy Spurs Worker Privacy Legislation in Michigan Occupational Hazards
Michigan state Sen. Virg Bernero believes the eyes of the world are on his state, and he says that's why he's drafting legislation that would make it illegal for employers to make hiring and firing decisions based on a worker's smoking preference.
Inspired by the plight of four smokers Bernero says were fired by Okemos, Mich.-based Weyco Inc. -- a benefit services company that recently grabbed international headlines with its aggressive no-smoking policy -- Bernero, a Lansing Democrat, said he made a pledge to the former employees that he would do everything in his power to protect theirs and other Michigan workers' privacy.
'I think what happened is wrong. I think it's un-American,' Bernero said. 'I think part of the idea of freedom in America is having your home as your castle, your home as a sanctuary. When you punch out from work, you're off the clock from company control.'