From: Joe@smokefree.org
Date: Tue, 01/13/04
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To support smokefree New York, send a letter at www.smokefree.net/waivers
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Should Worker Health Be Waived?
New York State's smokefree workplace law was passed to protect the health of
workers. Waivers do the opposite. Tobacco interests are demanding waivers for
businesses which claim that the smokefree workplace law has cost them money.
Now it's up to state and local health officials to decide. The law gives local
health officials the authority to accept or deny waivers. (There are 21
counties without local health officials. In those counties, the state health
department will decide.)
"When health officials took an oath to protect the public health, I wonder if
they ever thought they would be asked to wave it instead?" asks Joe Cherner,
founder of BREATHE-- Bar and Restaurant Employees Advocating Together for a
Healthy Environment.
"Waivers don't make sense. Clean air and health are not something that should be
waived. New York's smokefree workplace law was passed to guarantee ALL workers a
safe, healthy, workplace-- free of cancer-causing smoke. It's that simple."
So far, no bars or restaurants with employees have been given a waiver. To keep
it that way, go to www.smokefree.net/waivers
P.S. Waivers will NOT be issued in New York City, Suffolk County, Nassau County,
or Westchester County. Local smokefree workplace laws in those jurisdictions do
not permit waivers.
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful citizens can change the
world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." Margaret Mead
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