WHEREAS:

Employer attempts to drug or alcohol test AFSCME members without reasonable suspicion can violate workers' rights to due process, privacy, and freedom from unreasonable searches; and

WHEREAS:

Drug and alcohol tests are an extremely limited tool for combating substance abuse because they do not determine impairment, cannot distinguish when drugs or alcohol were ingested, or whether individuals are occasional or habitual users; and

WHEREAS:

Drug and alcohol tests must be performed by qualified personnel who follow strict procedures in order to get accurate test results.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:

That AFSCME continue its opposition to random or other forms of testing which are not based on individualized reasonable suspicion; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That all drug tests be conducted in accordance with the Department of Health and Human Service's guidelines for federal workplace drug testing and be performed by accredited laboratories, and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

In contract negotiations AFSCME councils and locals should fight for free, employer-paid, union-administered or jointly controlled drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs as well as other demands to address the needs of workers with drug and alcohol problems; and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED:

That any discipline resulting from drug or alcohol tests or drug or alcohol use be based upon job performance and be consistent with any negotiated agreements and principles of progressive discipline.

SUBMITTED BY:

Donald G. McKee, President
Dick Palmer, Secretary-Treasurer
AFSCME Council 61
Iowa