> "It's not fair,"
There is no "fair". The employee knew the score, and
(wisely) decided that his life was worth more than the job.
Employers are going to listen to their lawyers (and
lawyers always advise that "no" is the safest thing
to say). Another problem is that "yes" also involves
having a detailed policy, which takes time, care and
effort.
Laws taking the matter out of employer hands will help,
but what the employers really need is some assurance that
they are at lower legal risk if they permit weapons than
if they pretend to prohibit.
What it might take is some employer getting sued by the
survivors of a deceased employee who was prevented from
defending themselves.
A "No Firearms" sign at the front gate is really a sign
saying:
"Armed felons and felons-to-be welcome.
Free-fire zone inside."
My motto is:
Its better to have a gun and not needing it, than not having a gun when you need it!