The department noted that the Labor Code of Russia does not allow restrictions on the rights of workers not related to their business qualities.
“The prohibition of discrimination at work is aimed at ensuring that all citizens have equal opportunities in exercising their abilities to work. Thus, smoking cannot be considered as a factor taken into account when establishing wage systems, ”the TASS ministry quotes.
As noted in the Ministry of Labor, the employer has the opportunity to ensure labor discipline in such a way that breaks for a smoke break do not adversely affect work processes.
“The code also provides for employers the possibility, by agreement with the employee, to establish flexible working hours; create conditions for a healthy lifestyle of workers, ”the department reminded.
Earlier, the Russian Ministry of Health prepared the program “Strengthening Public Health”, which provides recommendations to employers on the fight against smoking of employees using fines and a reward system.