WORKER SUES OVER SMOKE

                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SATURDAY, March 13, 1993                   TAG: 9303130281
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: B-4   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: By Associated Press
DATELINE: RICHMOND                                LENGTH: Short
WORKER SUES OVER SMOKE
A Virginia Power employee is suing the company, saying it violated the Americans With Disabilities Act by refusing to provide a smoke-free workplace.
Robert E. Harmer claimed Thursday in his lawsuit in U.S. District Court that secondhand smoke at work has made his bronchial asthma so severe it must be treated with steroids.
Harmer, a Virginia Power employee since 1981, requested in July that the company declare its Richmond headquarters a smoke-free workplace.
Harmer works in an open cubicle at the headquarters.
In October, Harmer's supervisor denied the request.
The lawsuit claims Harmer's authority was cut and he was passed over for promotion in retaliation for his complaint.
Company spokesman James W. Norvelle said the utility would not comment on the suit until it had time to review it.
Harmer is seeking $300,000 in punitive and compensatory damages.

by Archana Subramaniam by CNB