SAVE MONEY ON TRAVEL DEALS

The anti-smoking rule takes effect Sunday and officials of the United Auto Workers said it goes against the collective bargaining agreement with the company, The Peoria (Ill.) Journal-Star reported Saturday.

Caterpillar's management is taking seriously rumors that the smoking ban might trigger a strike on Monday.

"It would be unfortunate and disappointing if some employees decide to strike over the company's decision to prohibit smoking on Caterpillar campuses", the manufacturer, based in East Peoria, Ill., said in a release. "Caterpillar cares about the health of its employees and wants to ensure that everyone who works on or visits Caterpillar property has access to the healthiest and safest work environment possible."

A UAW leader said employees believed smoking is an issue that was under negotiation and were taken aback by the imposition of what he said is a unilateral move by Caterpillar to ban smoking.

"We are not encouraging any work stoppage", Bill Scott, a UAW bargaining chairman told the Star-Journal.

 BREAKING STORIES

U.S. bill gives FDA tobacco regulation

S.F. considers cigarette sale restrictions

FTC wants to end tar-nicotine statements

Heart attack rates drop after smoking ban

Court to review tobacco case a third time

Caterpillar smoking ban riles workers

Stores face hidden cigarettes deadline

Study: Smoking hurts popularity

Tobacco seller charged for having tobacco

Some U.S. retailers and tobacco part ways

Study: Restaurant tobacco bans influence teen smoking

Study: Restaurant tobacco bans influence teen smoking

Appeals court dismisses cigarette lawsuit

Big tobacco a test for McCain

Israel bans smoking on military bases

Expanded smoke ban passes in Turkey

French smoking ban prompts cultural fears

Internet tobacco case may gut state laws

Less nicotine in cigarettes cut smoking

Report: Smoking rate decline hits wall