You are reading the FRACAT Blog Archive (also known as "FRACAT 1.0") for all posts prior to October 29th, 2007.
Testing Positive Will Get You Fired. For Nicotine, That Is!
The Miracle-Gro division of the Scotts company, seemingly in a boring “lawn chemicals” business, is on the cutting edge in today’s business society.
It turns out that they’ve mandated that their employees can’t use tobacco of any kind. And I don’t just mean at work.
If an employee “tests positive for nicotine”, they’ll be fired on the spot. At least, they will in October when this program starts in earnest.
Now, I know that you may not smoke. And I would agree that smoking is a pretty dumb thing to do. But this story still applies to you. Let me show you how.
While I’m not sure of the legality of mandating what employees can do on their own time (which has historically been struck down), but think about the philosophy of this company for a moment.
Here’s an organization that has decided to use a sledgehammer to demand that you live up to their definition of “healthy”. And they’re not alone. I know that BMC Software, here in Houston, won’t hire anyone who uses tobacco products, either.
Assuming that these weird rules stand up in court, my question is always, “What’s Next?” Will I still be allowed to have my Big Mac at lunch? Will I be reprimanded if I miss a workout?
It all reminds me a little too much of the Company Towns of old where the employer not only provided a job, but owned your house and made the laws.
I guess Scotts and BMC think Rockefeller had it right…
Enjoy the Search!
-Dan
Picture by altemark
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