Pubdate: Sat, 23 Jun 2012
Source: Edmonton Journal (CN AB)
Copyright: 2012 The Edmonton Journal
Contact: 
http://www.edmontonjournal.com/opinion/letters/letters-to-the-editor.html
Website: http://www.edmontonjournal.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/134
Author: Michelle Joljart

THE RIGHT TO A SAFE WORKPLACE

Re: "Oilpatch ramps up drug tests; Three major firms sign on for 
random testing project," the Journal, June 21, 2012. Oil companies 
take great pride in employing skilled individuals to operate heavy 
and dangerous equipment at sites that run 24 hours a day, seven days 
a week. They take every health and safety precaution to ensure the 
safest working environment possible. They have strict guidelines on 
hours worked, time off and travel to and from the job site.

How is drug and alcohol testing of employees by large oil companies 
an infringement on workers' rights? Workers have a responsibility to 
come to work sober and to expect the same of their co-workers, on 
whom their safety depends.

This is not the 1980s, where liquid lunches and office parties with 
alcohol were acceptable.

The oil industry in Alberta has made considerable efforts to be 
transparent and honest in explaining its operating practices. This 
move to drug and alcohol testing is one more example of the way that 
all companies should behave. Make workers responsible for their 
decisions and actions.

Michelle Joljart,

Edmonton
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom