Workplace Ban

[enigmaYmee]

I'm sure this is discussed in other threads but I can't find it anywhere so I'm asking about workplace bans of tobacco and ecigs.

About a year ago my employer started discussing smoking bans. I had wanted to quit smoking for a while so I tried dip. Didn't like it and then I found snus, which I like a lot. Yesterday they announced that they were banning ALL tobacco starting next week! So now I'm looking into ecigs. I've of course tried quiting tobacco many times and even several times have managed to quit for up to 6 months with out any nicotine products but it doesn't matter how long I go I always want it. So quiting just really isn't an option.

I live in Texas and I'm wondering can my employer ban ecigs also?

And now for the RANT:

I'm so sick of this idea that ppl can ban and tax something to oblivion just because they don't like it. Ok, I can understand smoking tobacco since it can cause problems with others but banning ALL tobacco because it's bad for YOU?! Maybe we should ban caffine at work? It's bad for you and addictive. (JK, I don't think we should ban anything for the well being of them. But it does seem to follow the logic of the debate.)

Sorry, had to get it out.

[jmhester]

Honestly, an employer can create any kind of policy they like as long as it doesn't involve race, religion, or national origin. People don't really realize that Texas, like Florida, is a "right to work" state. Which really translates into a "right to fire" state. They can decide they don't like the color of the shoes you wear and fire you for that. Basically, they don't need a reason at all!

I said that to say this, I would guess that if you try to go to e-cigs, they will just perceive that as "cheating" and create a policy to quickly ban them from the workplace. Perhaps you can get it to the right people and maybe show that it is a harmless alternative. Anything is possible!

It's a sad fact, but in most states, when you go to work for a company, you abandon your civil rights.

[FTJoe]

They can do almost whatever they want, especially an employer. If you're talking the state, they have power as well.

As far as the rant, its the latest wave of tax generation. We're going to tax things that are bad, so people give them up. Bunch of BS, last thing they want is people giving it up, else they won't get the tax dollars. NYS is already crying they have to pass the soda tax and so they can get billions of dollars. If you voice concern, you sound like a jerk because you sound like you want fat kids and dumps to fill up with recycles.

Edited March 16, 2010 by FTJoe

[NeRo9k]

Your employer can pretty much do what they want. If they don't want people to use ECigs while working, then they can ban them.

[enigmaYmee]

That's kinda what I expected to hear. Which really sux. I wish ppl that support these types of rules and regulations would realize that once tobacco has been taxed and banned to extinction there will be something new that NEEDS to be banned and taxed(for the good of the ppl of course). LOL.

Like one poster already said in NY they are considering a tax for soda.

Anyway, thx for the answers and for listening to my rant!

[TeriJo]

That's kinda what I expected to hear. Which really sux. I wish ppl that support these types of rules and regulations would realize that once tobacco has been taxed and banned to extinction there will be something new that NEEDS to be banned and taxed(for the good of the ppl of course). LOL.

Like one poster already said in NY they are considering a tax for soda.

Anyway, thx for the answers and for listening to my rant!

Adore rants! I have my very own soapbox too. LOL

Yes, most employment is "At Will" employment. Either party can end the employment at any time. The boss can say...all done. For any reason and no reason, and so can the employee.

Contracted employment is different, but it's different on BOTH sides. If you leave before the contact ends there are consequences (fines or whatever).

[mcquinn]

I work at a hospital which went tobacco free.They mostly have it in for smokers but want to have the appearance of not discriminating.I just stealth vape and have for nine or ten months,as long as they don't test for nic no one should be the wiser.The vaping went so well I haven't smoked since July of 09'.

[FTJoe]

I work at a hospital which went tobacco free.They mostly have it in for smokers but want to have the appearance of not discriminating.I just stealth vape and have for nine or ten months,as long as they don't test for nic no one should be the wiser.The vaping went so well I haven't smoked since July of 09'.

Definitely stay hidden. I swear every time I go for a tug on my spade, someone turns the corner. Have you read the wording of the proclamation? Would it include people doing nicorette, etc? Just wondered if you did get caught if it could be fought.