Pubdate: Wed, 26 Jul 2000
Source: Wisconsin State Journal (WI)
Copyright: 2000 Madison Newspapers, Inc.
Contact:  http://www.wisconsinstatejournal.com/
Author: Lesley Rogers

COMMITTEE REJECTS RANDOM DRUG TESTING FOR MADISON FIREFIGHTERS

The union president suggests an alternative: "drug testing for cause."

Random drug testing for Madison firefighters was nixed Tuesday by a City 
Council committee, but the firefighters union president proposed a new drug 
enforcement plan.

The Public Safety Review Board voted against council President Dorothy 
Borchardt's proposal to include random drug tests as part of the city's 
contract negotiations with the firefighters union. Firefighters have been 
working under an expired contract since Jan. 1.

Random drug testing was proposed in the wake of allegations, uncovered 
during the Jocko's Rocket Ship bar drug probe, that 11 firefighters may 
have been involved in illegal drug use, including cocaine.

Firefighters Union Local 311 President Joe Conway opposes random drug 
testing, as does Mayor Sue Bauman. Conway said Tuesday the union is willing 
to adopt a "drug testing for cause" program that highlights drug education 
and prevention.

"This comes right off the bargaining table," said Conway, who said contract 
negotiations are not near closure. "This would take effect from when the 
contract is signed until July 1, 2001."

Under Conway's proposal, firefighter officers would be trained to look for 
impairment among co-workers and to report suspicions. Suspected users would 
be tested and offered treatment.

Firefighters also would be taught how job performance and their personal 
lives are affected by drug use, Conway said.

Assistant City Attorney Larry O'Brien, who has been involved in the union 
negotiations, said he was "delighted the union is taking a pro-active stance."

However, O'Brien added that Conway's plan lacks the deterrent effect of 
random drug testing.

Fire Chief Debra Amesqua, who supports random testing as part of a 
substance abuse program, said drug testing is needed to quell the fears of 
Madison residents that drug use is widespread in the department.

"I'm pleased that Local 311 wants to come to the table and work on the 
issue," Amesqua said. "Our reputation is tarnished right now."

Both the city and union have said previously that it's too late in the 
bargaining process to add new conditions to the firefighters' contracts. 
However, Conway said the union's plan is necessary to assuage the public 
and assure firefighter safety.

"We do not condone any sort of drug use by our members, but again, we're 
not going to invade their private lives," Conway said.

Although the committee voted down Borchardt's plan, several other 
committees and city agencies are still reviewing it.
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MAP posted-by: Terry Liittschwager