Smoking ban at Caterpillar

          The smoking ban at Caterpillar from coming Sunday have resulted the United Auto Worker union to file a law suit stating Caterpillar is promoing an unfair work practice against its workers. The union is complaining that this kind of regulation will go against guarantees in the UAW contract saying that smoking has been their privilege for more than 60 years.

          On the other hand, Caterpillar points out that it's about time to finish smoking on its properties across the country and work places. The spokesman from Caterpillar stated that it would be disappointing if someone quick their job for such issue because what Caterpillar wants is just to provide the healthiest and safetest work environment possible for its employees. Also, he said that it includes not only Caterpillar's workers, but also the visitors from the outside.

          In an effort to minimize the worker's complaints, Caterpillar is hoping to cooperate with UAW in order to find the right way to promote the company's new regulation and maintain its good relationship between employees and the company.

          One of the main causes for such ban is to follow Illinois, "...where the heavy equipment maker is based, passed a law that prohibited smoking in the work place and elsewhere." (BusinessWeek)

          I'm personally impressed with such ban on smoking because for me, it's quite outrageous (but in a good way) and surprsing to see the company is pursuing such policy that could be so controversial. It might cause a lot of talking for now; however, in a long run, it would create a good brand image for the company since Catepillar has such a bold and musculne image from thier business, having this kind of smoking ban would create a appealing or even a clean and softer characteristic of the firm. I hope Caterpillar would have find an appropriate way to deal for keeping a good relationship with its employees even after the smoking ban.

Reference;
"Smoking ban has union huffing at Caterpillar" BusinessWeek. May 30, 2008.
http://www.businessweek.com/ap/financialnews/D90VTO881.htm

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