Pubdate: Wed, 25 Apr 2012
Source: Revelstoke Times Review (CN BC)
Copyright: 2012 Black Press
Contact: http://mapinc.org/url/GUUzNSgH
Website: http://drugsense.org/url/ujMTHNZu
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2139
Author: Aaron Orlando

CITY OF REVELSTOKE GETS SOBER ON 4/20

The City of Revelstoke has chosen April 20 to unveil their new staff
policy that explicitly states staff can't take nips from a mickey or
sneak hits from a bong while at work.

The new "Personnel Drug and Alcohol Policy" forbids drug and alcohol
use while at work and outlines several policies that will affect staff
even in their off-time.

A report attached to the policy says it came about because of a
general policy review. "The absence of a drug and alcohol policy has
been identified as an issue," writes city finance director Graham
Inglis in a report attached to the policy.

The 10-page report lays out what is not allowed and appropriate
actions if someone is impaired on the job or struggling with addiction
issues.

Some points include:

- - The proposed policy requires staff members to inform a supervisor if
they find their colleagues or other city contractors in an "unfit
condition" on the job due to drugs or alcohol.

- - Employees who are candidates for treatment in residential or
out-patient treatment programs will be "expected to enter into a
written agreement to support their recovery."

- - Reporting to work drunk or impaired by drugs is prohibited, as is
drinking on the job. The policy also says having a blood alcohol
content of 0.04 or greater is prohibited.

- - The policy also states the city has the right to drug test employees
when they have "reasonable cause to believe that the actions,
appearance or conduct of an employee while on duty are indicative of
impairment due to the use of drugs or alcohol."

- - Under the policy, any city staff member who is charged with impaired
driving must inform their supervisor immediately. They may face
additional work-related sanctions.

The staff report notes there may be costs associated with implementing
the policy, such as "on-going staff training costs."

City council will discuss the new policy at its April 24 regular
meeting. In the meantime, read the full proposed policy by clicking
item 9a here:

https://revelstoke.civicweb.net/Documents/DocumentList.aspx?IDe14
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MAP posted-by: Jo-D