Pubdate: Sun, 21 Sep 2008 Source: Toronto Star (CN ON) Copyright: 2008 The Toronto Star Contact: http://www.thestar.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/456 Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/testing.htm (Drug Testing) RETHINK TTC DRUG TESTS Civil libertarians' relief over the TTC's retreat from an intrusive plan to impose random drug testing on thousands of workers should be tempered by concern over one aspect of the compromise measure that was passed. Under a fitness-for-duty policy approved Thursday, job applicants seeking "safety-sensitive" positions at the TTC, such as a driver, would be subject to a mandatory drug test. This policy includes new hires and existing employees hoping to transfer. In arguing for random testing, TTC officials repeatedly stated that their goal wasn't to probe what workers did on their own time. "All we care about is what happens when they report for duty," TTC chair Adam Giambrone told reporters after the meeting. But that is manifestly untrue in the proposal to test applicants. They would be subject to a urine test designed to reveal drug consumption over earlier days, or weeks, depending on the chemical taken and frequency of use. The implications of testing positive would then be "discussed and addressed" with the applicant. This could mean trouble for someone indulging in a recreational drug on a weekend, or even vacationing where use of such drugs is permitted. The TTC justifies this on the grounds that chronic use of recreational drugs or alcohol could pose a safety hazard. But the TTC has failed to show that there is a problem here, that employee impairment levels (on the job) are on the rise. This new policy needs more thought before it is implemented. - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom