[SheLion]

Did you see where they are going to offer "smoking cessation classes?" What about the employees that do not WANT to quit? The head of LOWE'S is in someone's pocket and now he does not want an employee that smokes.

[Not_Who_U_Think]

Interestingly, Lowes home office is in North Wilksboro, NC - the heart of tobacco country. At least they were based there a few years ago. Since they've become a much larger company they probably have a different management team.

This action is also an extension upon the use of employment drug testing. When companies began drug testing back in the 80s, most people agreed that critical jobs should have some testing 'for the public good'. Within 10 years, a majority of companies were testing. In some states, employers get a lower rate if they drug test. Once we as a society accepted the concept that employees were not just selling their labor - they were selling their lives, it has continued to eat at personal liberty.

In part, this is being driven by insurance companies who hold out the carrot of lower premiums in exchange for assumed lower risk. Sadly, this can only spread to other risks such as obesity, perhaps accident-prone lifestyles like motorcycles, or even to the point where companies can review your general medical history - with your permission... (you DO want this job, don't you?)