nicked - verb - to be terminated from a position due to being a cigarette smoker <Joe was nicked today after his test came back positive.> See also, smoked.
Can't say I didn't see this one coming.
Weyco Inc., a health benefits administrator based in Okemos, Mich., adopted a policy Jan. 1 that allows employees to be fired if they smoke, even if the smoking happens after business hours or at home.
These are the end times, fellow smokers! Stock up on the ciggies and get ready for the raids!
Update thanks to MeFi: Howard Weyers, president and CFO*, has issued a statement defending the company's policy, and it answers one of my questions (poorly):
Despite facts like these, we also get asked: "What will companies ban next - unhealthy eating, drinking, and sexual behavior?"
No. We offer many incentives for employees to make healthy lifestyle choices. Compliance is voluntary, and the result has been a demonstrable improvement in wellness.
Still, anyone concerned about limiting employers' right to specify terms of employment should know that federal law protects people with conditions such as obesity, alcoholism and AIDS. But there's no right to indulge in tobacco use.
Not yet, Mr. Weyers, not yet...
______
*Chief Fascist Officer
I am speechless. But can you see the lawsuits over this?
Posted by: Elisabeth | January 25, 2005 at 07:43 PM
SMOKE da refer!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!111
Posted by: Manuel | September 12, 2006 at 03:53 PM