--Aaron-- Posted January 21, 2011 Report Share Posted January 21, 2011 Alright, I am a little puzzled as I've never run across this before. Two weeks ago, the first Monday morning after I started a temporarily lay off I ran around to 9 different, large printing companies and submitted a resume/cover letter in person to their HR depts. Today I have been doing some follow up emails and one reply pissed me off. It may just be me being stubborn but it really sounds like discrimination, at least in a small sense. Hi Aaron, your resume has been circulated, but I must tell you that within our hiring requirement criteria, tobacco-users are not given primary consideration. My reply was...... That's interesting, first I've heard of something like that. Is this a common practice for companies? I know that usually tobacco users pay higher health care premiums, which makes sense but in my opinion a smoker can do just the same as a non smoker. It seems a little discriminating, honestly. I appreciate you letting the supervisor know in any case as I am highly interested in your openings. Was that reply out of line? I thought I kept it polite and appropriate while expressing how I felt..... Opinions? I mean, do companies actually do this? First I've heard of it, then again I've only had 2 long term jobs since 18 yrs. old. :huh: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
--Aaron-- Posted January 21, 2011 Author Report Share Posted January 21, 2011 And to add, I know of a few people that work for this particular commercial printing company. They have a smoking area. :lol: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ErikS Posted January 21, 2011 Report Share Posted January 21, 2011 Its 100 % legal and not discriminatory (smokers are not a protected class). Lost productivity from smoking breaks, insurance discounts for their health care providers, employees work longer because they live longer, etc. The DSM V lists smoking as a maladaptive behavior since people are aware of the risks, but do it anyways. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flyfishing3 Posted January 21, 2011 Report Share Posted January 21, 2011 hopefully you haven't sent that yet. tobacco users raise insurance, plain and simple. they might have people that are allergic to smoke, your lack of self control, could disrupt the work environment. coming into work smelling like an astray is offensive to many people. smokers are outside smoking instead of working( stereo type, but you know what i mean.) its their business, they can do whatever they want. And to add, I know of a few people that work for this particular commercial printing company. They have a smoking area. obviously they can't be let go, but they can avoid hiring more smokers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ErikS Posted January 21, 2011 Report Share Posted January 21, 2011 obviously they can't be let go, but they can avoid hiring more smokers. Yes they can. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
--Aaron-- Posted January 21, 2011 Author Report Share Posted January 21, 2011 Its 100 % legal and not discriminatory (smokers are not a protected class). Lost productivity from smoking breaks, insurance discounts for their health care providers, employees work longer becuase they live longer, etc. The DSM V lists smoking as a maladaptive behavior since people are aware of the risks, but do it anyways. I can understand that, especially with all the smoking bans in restaurants and alot of lounges, etc. My current employer is a smoke free facility. They hand out 5 days on the street if you're even caught with a pack of penis on the property. That being said they have very nice health insurance with a pretty competitive premium. I hear ya, it's a horrible habit. I'll admit that to anyone, wish I never started. That being said I know I could quit, I guess it just comes down to choosing not to. And with that being said I suppose I should prepare myself to hear what was said in the HR's email. hopefully you haven't sent that yet. tobacco users raise insurance, plain and simple. they might have people that are allergic to smoke, your lack of self control, could disrupt the work environment. coming into work smelling like an astray is offensive to many people. smokers are outside smoking instead of working( stereo type, but you know what i mean.) its their business, they can do whatever they want. obviously they can't be let go, but they can avoid hiring more smokers. Good point, companies do run themselves whichever way is best for them and that's completely understandable. Thanks for the input, both of ya. Yes they can. Care to elaborate? :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flyfishing3 Posted January 21, 2011 Report Share Posted January 21, 2011 right to work states can let you go for any reason they want. I believe TX is one, i know PA is one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
--Aaron-- Posted January 21, 2011 Author Report Share Posted January 21, 2011 right to work states can let you go for any reason they want. I believe TX is one, i know PA is one. No stuff, I did not know that. I suppose it could be worse then, right? :o Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ozzimark Posted January 21, 2011 Report Share Posted January 21, 2011 right to work states can let you go for any reason they want. I believe TX is one, i know PA is one. NY is too. Also Aaron, I know it's easier said than done, but you really should quit. Think of all the money you'll save that you can spend on your car :lol: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
--Aaron-- Posted January 21, 2011 Author Report Share Posted January 21, 2011 NY is too. Also Aaron, I know it's easier said than done, but you really should quit. Think of all the money you'll save that you can spend on your car I'll tell you what, if smoking is going to prevent me from working in my field, closer than 50 miles from home I may seriously consider it. I mean, the health reason would be number one but I desperately want to work closer to where I live. You're not kidding, damn things are up over $6/per pack. I will say that I truly do want to, I just need to commit to that if that's the direction I would rather be going. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
7 VII 7 Posted January 21, 2011 Report Share Posted January 21, 2011 lol, +8535350 for quitting. Saves so much money and you can actually breathe in the morning. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
--Aaron-- Posted January 21, 2011 Author Report Share Posted January 21, 2011 lol, +8535350 for quitting. Saves so much money and you can actually breathe in the morning. And when you sell something it doesn't smell like smoke when it gets to the buyer. I hear ya though, I am going to seriously think about it. The first few days I imagine would be the hardest, after that it would get easier by the day. I may talk to the doctor about that Chantix (sp?), I've heard that works pretty well as long as the user has a true desire to quit. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
7 VII 7 Posted January 21, 2011 Report Share Posted January 21, 2011 And when you sell something it doesn't smell like smoke when it gets to the buyer. I hear ya though, I am going to seriously think about it. The first few days I imagine would be the hardest, after that it would get easier by the day. I may talk to the doctor about that Chantix (sp?), I've heard that works pretty well as long as the user has a true desire to quit. hahaha, totally. I was smoking 2 packs a day and after 1 week it was pretty easy. You just need a reason to quit, mine was $$, soccer training and my wife (gf at the time) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
855RGurl Posted January 21, 2011 Report Share Posted January 21, 2011 It is a crazy thing, but in my job search they DO NOT want anyone who smokes for most jobs, especially in WA, and they even post it in the employment ad. It is odd that they can do that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
--Aaron-- Posted January 21, 2011 Author Report Share Posted January 21, 2011 hahaha, totally. I was smoking 2 packs a day and after 1 week it was pretty easy. You just need a reason to quit, mine was $, soccer training and my wife (gf at the time) I forgot you used to be a smoker. I remember talking about it with you at some point but just forgot. Anyhow, my reasons would be overall to better myself. That covers health, money (which will improve finances and overall life) and the job situation among plenty others. It is a crazy thing, but in my job search they DO NOT want anyone who smokes for most jobs, especially in WA, and they even post it in the employment ad. It is odd that they can do that. When you first read something like that it does sort of make you think, ummm wtf. But after reading the replies here and actually thinking about it the whole thing does make sense. A company has got to be as efficient as possible. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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