Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

To: SampleMan
The biggest problem with drug testing is that it does not test for impairment. In some cases, it does not even test for the actual substance, just lingering metabolites.

The company I work for has ridiculous drug testing policies. To see certain customers at certain facilities, I have to take a drug test. A few weeks ago, a rock hit the front grill of my company car, causing minor damage. I had to take a drug test. A month ago, I had a flat tire. We had to clear it with legal before they could say I didn't have to take a drug test. If you cut your your finger, or bump your shin, or do anything requiring medical attention, you have to take a drug test.

Recently, we lost a good sales rep because someone rear-ended him. He had to take a drug test. He wasn't impaired at all, but had traces of THC metabolites in his system from previous use a week prior. Company wasted thousands and thousands of dollars training him for nothing.

My company spends big bucks every year for unnecessary drug testing. I'm not in any danger of failing, but I honestly don't care to work in this kind of atmosphere, and will probably leave when the time is right for me. It just creates a suspicious and tense work environment, and I have options.
67 posted on 10/23/2006 8:10:30 PM PDT by motzman (zoom zoom)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 46 | View Replies ]


To: motzman
Recently, we lost a good sales rep because someone rear-ended him. He had to take a drug test. He wasn't impaired at all, but had traces of THC metabolites in his system from previous use a week prior. Company wasted thousands and thousands of dollars training him for nothing.

Oh yeah, the worst part about this is that I (and many others) were told about it. As if was my business to know someones else's personal business.
70 posted on 10/23/2006 8:17:15 PM PDT by motzman (zoom zoom)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 67 | View Replies ]

To: motzman
You have a case for perhaps changing your companies policies, but not for legalization. Last time I checked, employers had the right to set strict standards for employment, even if they weren't justified.

By the way, airline pilots don't have to be impaired by alcohol to get fired. They have strict policies on when they must cease drinking before a flight and that's that. As for your employer, it is likely their liability insurance rates that drive policy. If I was a trucking employer, I'd require mandatory testing for any substance which led to impairment. As long as I could get clean employees without problem, I'd set a very low tolerance limit on drugs with an impairing effect. I might also prohibit tobacco use, if the cost factors on benefits were significant.

It appears that your desire for legalization is to force your employer to do as you wish. Legalization should play no role in what your employer requires with respect to drug use.

72 posted on 10/23/2006 8:26:01 PM PDT by SampleMan (Do not dispute the peacefulness of Islam, so as not to send Muslims into violent outrage.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 67 | View Replies ]

Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article


FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson