Tobacco-Free Workplace Overview
Co-op to be Tobacco-Free by 2010
At its August 2008 meeting, the Co-op’s Board of Directors brought the tobacco discussion of 2008 to a conclusion with a vote to stop selling tobacco as of January 1, 2009. This decision also prohibits the use of tobacco products anywhere on property owned or leased by the cooperative as of January 1, 2010.
So What Does That Mean For Employees?
The policy goes on to direct the General Manager to offer information about smoking cessation programs to employees and members who smoke. This action reflects the board’s ends policy of concern for the community and also its concern that the use of tobacco products is detrimental to the health of our valued members.
The new Board policy specifically states:
Because of the Co-op’s ends, values, and mission and the serious health hazards of tobacco products, the GM shall not promote their use. Accordingly,
EL 11.1: The GM shall not cause or allow the sale of tobacco products at the cooperative on or after January 1, 2009.
EL 11.2: The GM shall not permit the use of tobacco products anywhere on property owned or leased by the co-op on or after January 1, 2010.
EL 11.3: The GM shall not fail to educate employees and members regarding the opportunities to participate in smoking cessation programs.
This Board policy was voted on following a period of member input. This input was achieved in the following way: seven Board members hosted discussion sessions in the foyers of the two Co-op stores using informational handouts and a survey, during the week of August 11th. 236 surveys were received and analyzed, comments were written by 7 members, and several members and employees spoke in person to the GM, who summarized his conversations in a memo to the Board.
Learn More
Based on the Board decision, the Co-op wrote a specific policy for employees that outlines the various stipulations of the smoke-free workplace. You can read the full Co-op policy here. Information meetings will be held throughout the Co-op beginning the week of January 25 and continuing into February. Look for signs by the timeclocks and stay tuned for more information.
