U-Haul Officially Announces It Will No Longer Hire Any Nicotine Users

#Roommates, if you are one of the few out there who still smokes cigarettes you need to make sure not to apply for any jobs at U-Haul. In less than a month, the moving and storage company is officially no longer hiring any nicotine users.

@GoodMorningAmerica reports that beginning February 1^st, “the nicotine-free hiring policy go into effect in 21 states,” according to company-wide press release from U-Haul International. The Phoenix, Arizona-based company will now be “the first major company in its field to decline job applicants who are nicotine users.”

U-Haul, which currently employs more than 30,000 people, said that it made the decision around denying employment to nicotine users in its hope to establish “one of the healthiest corporate cultures in the U.S. and Canada.” Among the 21 states where the hiring practice will go into effect, include Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nebraska, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia and Washington.

Not every state is legally allowed to decline hiring individuals who use nicotine products, but those that are legally allowed to do so, will move forward with the new company rules beginning in February.

If you’re wondering how the application process will proceed given the new guidelines, U-Haul explained it like this:

“Individuals seeking U-Haul jobs in the aforementioned 21 states will see statements regarding the nicotine-free hiring policy on applications, and will be questioned about nicotine use. In states where testing is allowed, applicants must consent to submit to nicotine screening in the future to be considered.”

Jessica Lopez, U-Haul Chief of Staff, also addressed the no nicotine policy:

“We are deeply invested in the well-being of our Team Members. 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.”

This is not the first nicotine-free workplace in the country, but one of the largest.

Roommates, what are your thoughts on this?