Why U-Haul's New Nicotine Hiring Policy Is Legal — But Potentially Not Practical

By Lauren Gilger
Published: Tuesday, January 7, 2020 - 1:11pm
Updated: Tuesday, January 7, 2020 - 1:16pm

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UHaul trucks
Jean Clare Sarmiento/KJZZ
U-Haul trucks parked at a location in Tempe.

Smoking has been phased out of the workplace several decades ago — the health implications of tobacco use are beyond question and the healthcare costs associated with smoking have driven many companies to encourage tobacco-free lifestyles among its employees.

Now, Phoenix-based U-Haul is taking this a step further by pledging not to interview or hire people who use nicotine.

While this is understood to include cigarettes, nicotine is also present in cigars, chewing tobacco and snuff, as well as numerous smoking-cessation products — including gums, patches and inhalers.

Alejandro Perez, a labor attorney and partner with the law firm of Jaburg Wilk, joined The Show to answer questions about the legalities of the hiring policy.

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