Smoking Restrictions in the Workplace: The Labor Perspective

Marvin J. Levine

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DOI: 10.2190/PT4F-BKAW-K251-AFKD

Abstract

Scientific evidence linking smoking in the workplace to a variety of health problems has created a dilemma for unions in the United States. Obligated by the political necessity to represent the economic interests of their membership, American labor organizations have had to balance the rights of smokers with those of nonsmokers. Their positions have ranged from trying to avoid the issue entirely, opposing unilateral employer actions or legislative restrictions, and supporting voluntary programs that offer smoking cessation aid to workers desiring to quit. In general, unions favor collectively bargained solutions where labor and management voluntarily reach agreement on this controversial issue.

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