Local labor unions' positions on worksite tobacco control.

Abstract

This report describes local unions' positions on tobacco control initiatives and factors related to these positions. A national random sample of local union leaders was surveyed by telephone. Forty-eight percent of local unions supported worksite smoking bans or restrictions, and only 8% opposed both a ban and a restriction. Support for tobacco control initiatives among local unions was higher than might be expected on the basis of previous evidence. Engaging unions in smoking policy formation is likely to contribute to the larger public health goal of reducing smoking and exposure to second-hand smoke among workers.