Pubdate: Fri, 24 Sep 2010
Source: Providence Journal, The (RI)
Copyright: 2010 The Providence Journal Company
Contact:  http://www.projo.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/352
Author: Thomas J. Morgan, Journal Staff Writer

CITY APOLOGIZES FOR WORKER'S UNLAWFUL DRUG, ALCOHOL TESTS

PAWTUCKET - The City of Pawtucket has agreed to apologize to one of
its employees and to pay her legal fees after she sued over its
drug-testing policy.

Romana Ramos, a police matron and interpreter for 17 years, contended
that she was unlawfully required to submit to a random urine test for
drugs and a chemical breath test for alcohol. The penalty for refusal
was a 30-day suspension. Both tests proved negative, according to the
Rhode Island affiliate of the American Civil Liberties Union.

The ACLU on Thursday announced the settlement of the case, which was
handled by volunteer attorney Richard A. Sinapi.

The ACLU said that state law allows drug testing in the workplace, but
reasonable suspicion is required. Random testing is not allowed, the
organization said in a news release.

In the settlement, the ACLU said, the city agreed to pay $5,000 in
legal costs and to take steps to bring its testing policy into line
with state law.

Sinapi said that the ACLU will take action against other employers if
they require testing not approved by state law.
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MAP posted-by: Jo-D