By Joshua Huff, sports editor
Are you a smoker and interested in finding a job at U-Haul in Alabama?
Well, come Feb. 1, you will be out of luck as U-Haul has announced that it will not hire people who use nicotine in 21 states that allow companies to make hiring decisions based on whether someone uses tobacco related products.
Those states are: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nebraska, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia and Washington.
However, the policy will not apply to current employees who use tobacco products.
“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. This policy is a responsible step in fostering a culture of wellness at U-Haul, with the goal of helping our team members on their health journey.”
Applicants will be questioned on their nicotine use and will be screened for nicotine to be considered for employment.