The gap in smoking prevalence by occupational category has been steadily widening, with blue-collar workers (defined by census occupational categories 401–785 as craftsmen/kindred workers, operatives, and laborers)1^,2 being more likely to smoke, to smoke more heavily, and to be less successful in quitting smoking than either white-collar or service workers.1^–4 In 1997, 36% of blue-collar workers were smokers, compared with 21% of white-collar workers, with occupational class remaining a significant predictor of smoking after age, sex, and race/ethnicity were controlled for.1 Decades of tobacco control efforts have met with limited success among these workers, suggesting that new strategies and community partners are needed.

Labor unions are a natural ally in such efforts, in that they are likely to represent workers in these at-risk occupations and because many unions offer health insurance to their members.5 Through their health insurance programs, unions can offer fully paid coverage of smoking cessation services, a benefit that has been shown to be effective in other insured populations.6 Health insurance is provided by some unions to their members through health and welfare (Taft–Hartley) funds. These funds are financed by contracting employers' contributions to regional funds on behalf of their unionized employees under terms negotiated in the collective bargaining process, which is based on the National Labor Relations Act. The funds either purchase health insurance or self-insure. They are governed equally by representatives from labor and management and operated at regional or district levels. It is estimated that health and welfare funds provide health insurance coverage to approximately 9 million smokers in the United States.7 These funds are therefore a unique vehicle for increasing labor union members' access to affordable smoking cessation services, which may, in turn, redress class-based disparities in smoking prevalence.

By providing resources and useful information about smoking cessation, our site aims to help people permanently beat their nicotine addiction.  We offer valuable resources that will help you quit smoking and finally break free from nicotine addiction  so you can start enjoying new challenges again.  Don't waste any more of your time and money! It's not too late to gain your lungs
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.  You WILL see results fast if you truely commit to stop smoking and live healthier! If you haven't started smoking, DON'T!  A few daily drags off a cigarette will likely lead to long-term nicotine addiction.  If you've started smoking and need help please feel free to browse our site and learn how many others have successfully stopped...

Learn:  How you can break free from your nicotine addiction.

    * How to fight the power of nicotine:  insider articles.
    * What are the "true" consequences to your health of smoking? Read the "Ugly Facts About Smoking!"
    * Understand how to use nicotine replacement products.
    * Many more secret methods to fight and prevent slip-ups.
    * Improve your will power.
    * Deconstruct the psychological addiction that is created by habitually smoking cigarettes through cognitive therapy.