[TOR] TTC workers against drug testing

[rfmcdonald]

As is the case with many things recently, I first learned of the news via this post in toronto. The Toronto Star

The head of the Toronto transit workers' union, Bob Kinnear, says he won't rule out the possibility of a labour disruption or legal action if the TTC goes ahead with a controversial drug and alcohol testing policy.

TTC chief general manager Gary Webster says the proposed policy, believed to be among the most far-reaching in Canada, is essential to protect workers and the public.

It would include random testing of workers and some managers in "safety sensitive" jobs. Positions are likely to include drivers, mechanics and maintenance workers.

Job applicants would be tested, as would employees suspected of using drugs and alcohol on the job or those involved in serious incidents. Workers disciplined for being unfit for work or those returning from drug or alcohol rehabilitation would also be subject to testing. Office staff and others who have no impact on the public would not.

The proposal, released in a report yesterday, still needs approval from city councillors on the transit commission. Specifics would then be developed for further approval.

Kinnear, who heads the Amalgamated Transit Union, says the plan violates the privacy of workers. He has vowed to fight it.

"We have a number of options available to us and we will take a look very closely at each (one). We will do what needs to be done to ensure that the TTC doesn't arbitrarily impose this policy on us," he said.

I think I agree with the the sentiment expressed in this comment.

The privacy arguments advanced here unconvincing, inasmuch as TTC workers are frequently charged with safely directeing the passage of multi-ton vehicles through city streets or in underground railroads at high speeds. At least we're past believing, right,that the TTC workers' union gives a whit about the safety and comfort of TTC users only inasmuch as their paychecks require them to, right?