Your state says it’s OK to bring guns to work. But as an employer, you think that’s a safety hazard that violates your rights and undermines your responsibilities. What now?
Last week, when Indiana joined roughly a dozen other states in explicitly allowing employees to bring guns to their places of employment (provided they have permits and keep them locked in their cars), one huge Indiana employer reacted swiftly.
ArcellorMittal, a multinational steel giant, thumbed its nose at the new law. It told employees at its two Indiana plants they were to leave their guns at home. Period. Its rationale: Federal law trumps state law.
The company didn’t say which law it was referring to, but the Indiana Manufacturers Association, which fought the law for years, told the South Bend Tribune the issues are property rights and workplace safety laws:
“Property owners are guaranteed in the Constitution the right to control their own property,” said Ed Roberts, legal counsel for the organization. “And they’re required by the state to do what they can to keep employees safe.”
There are exceptions to the new law — including schools, prisons and child care facilities — but Bloomberg Businessweek says banks and airports aren’t among them. Those perceived oversights also have opponents up in arms.
More legal challenges are bound to come — from those who want the law repealed, and possibly from ArcellorMittal employees who are now hearing one thing from the state and another from their employer.
What’s your take? Feel free to comment below.
