Post by SAD IRELAND ADMIN on May 6, 2006 12:50:58 GMT
SAD Ireland have been in contact with all the political parties, major trade union groups and business organisations seeking information as to their position on blatant discrimination against smokers in the workplace now occurring in Ireland. This was prompted by an advertisement placed by DotCom Directories for telesales staff which stated 'No Smokers Need Apply.' A director of that company, a Mr Phillip Tobin was then afforded air-time on national state broadcaster RTE in which he vilified and maligned smokers by inferring the were stupid and smelly.
Had Mr Tobin singled out some other group for such discrimination and attack such as gays, lesbians, foreign nationals or native Irish speakers, the outcry from politicians, trade unions, journalists and media would have been tumultuous. However defending smokers against discrimination is not trendy in the 'pc' world and hence a deafening silence from our nation's custodians of civil liberty and freedom !
To date we have received some response to our enquiries from the smaller parties and trade unions, but not a single response from any major or government party. No business organisation have responded to date either.
We are seeking clarification on some matters before making a full response and statement, which we will do in due course to the issues raised.
Had Mr Tobin singled out some other group for such discrimination and attack such as gays, lesbians, foreign nationals or native Irish speakers, the outcry from politicians, trade unions, journalists and media would have been tumultuous. However defending smokers against discrimination is not trendy in the 'pc' world and hence a deafening silence from our nation's custodians of civil liberty and freedom !
To date we have received some response to our enquiries from the smaller parties and trade unions, but not a single response from any major or government party. No business organisation have responded to date either.
We are seeking clarification on some matters before making a full response and statement, which we will do in due course to the issues raised.