Business & Tech
U-Haul Will No Longer Hire Nicotine Users In Washington
Washington is one of 21 states to be affected by the new policy, which U-Haul says is designed to build a healthier workforce.
SEATTLE, WA — Nicotine users seeking a job in Washington state may need to cross U-Haul off their lists. The moving company announced this week it will start declining job applicants who are nicotine users in 21 states, including Washington — part of its goal of "promoting and empowering a healthy workforce," the company said.
The new policy will take effect Feb. 1. Washington, like the other states affected by the policy, has no laws barring a company from declining job applicants because of nicotine use.
"We are deeply invested in the well-being of our Team Members," Jessica Lopez, U-Haul's chief of staff, said in a statement. "Nicotine products are addictive and pose a variety of serious health risks."
Find out what's happening in Across Washingtonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Washington residents applying to jobs with U-Haul will now be questioned about nicotine use, and will see a statement about the company's "nicotine-free hiring policy."
About 13.5% of Washington residents smoke cigarettes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Find out what's happening in Across Washingtonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
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