U-Haul will stop hiring nicotine users in these 21 states starting in February
U-Haul announced on Monday that it will decline job applications from nicotine users in 21 states starting Feb. 1.
The moving and storage company says the change is an attempt to “promote and empower” a healthier workforce, according to a news release.
“We are deeply invested in the well-being of our Team Members,” chief of staff Jessica Lopez said in the release. “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.”
The states included in U-Haul’s nicotine-free hiring process are Arizona Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nebraska, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia and Washington, the release said.
Applicants in these states will receive a statement about the company’s nicotine-free hiring policy and will be asked questions about their nicotine use, the company says. In states where nicotine testing is allowed, applicants will also have to agree to nicotine screening in the future.
The change will not affect current employees, but those who use nicotine will have access to programs to help them kick the habit through U-Haul’s “Healthier You” program which seeks to aid employees in health, mindset, nutrition and fitness., according to the release.
“If we take care for our team members, they will take care of our customers,” Lopez said in the release.
Nicotine is a naturally occurring chemical found in tobacco plants and is highly addictive, according to the Center for Disease Control. More people in the U.S. are addicted to nicotine than any other drug.
