County in Arizona Considers Not Hiring Smokers
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iStock/Thinkstock(PIMA COUNTY, Ariz.) — Pima County in Arizona is getting ready to vote on a new policy that would refuse the hiring of any smokers.
Smokers already on the payroll will get a 30% health insurance surcharge, while those who are nicotine-free will be eligible for a $5 healthcare discount each pay period.
Health officials say the policy could lead to more than $1 million in healt care cost savings a year for the county.
About one-third of the work force are currently tobacco users, and some of them are calling a ban a “form of employment discrimination.”
At least 29 states have laws that protect smokers’ rights. The vote is scheduled for Decemcer 16.
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