Pubdate: Fri, 16 Aug 2013
Source: Kamloops Daily News (CN BC)
Copyright: 2013 Kamloops Daily News
Contact:  http://www.kamloopsnews.ca/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/679
Author: Sylvie Paillard

MINE'S DRUG SEARCH SHOCKS UNION

A surprise drug search of contracted workers at Highland Valley 
Copper by a private security firm with sniffer dogs has left union 
representatives shocked and bewildered.

The mine's optimization project is underway with workers for 
contractors JVD Installations Inc. being bused in from Valleyview for 
three daily shifts.

On Tuesday and Wednesday, about 300 morning shift workers getting off 
the bus were greeted by security personnel handling dogs that sniffed 
them and their belongings in search of drugs.

"I was stunned. I was absolutely stunned when I heard it," said Jim 
Oostenbrink, head of the Construction Allied Workers Union for B.C. 
"I thought 'Uh, dog sniffing?' "

Jacqui Schneider, Highland Valley Copper communication affairs 
manager, said the contractor hired the security firm "as part of 
their routine safety program."

"As this is an internal matter for the contractor, I can't provide 
any further information," she said in a statement.

Calls to JVD Installations were not returned by press time. The 
actions are far from routine, according to three unions connected to the mine.

Among the Construction Allied Workers Union's strongest objections is 
that they were not notified or even informed there may be concerns 
about drugs among employees.

"We didn't hear any whisper, nothing whatsoever," said Oostenbrink. 
"It is an illegal search and we also believe it's a clear violation 
of our collective agreement."

Oostenbrink hadn't determined by Thursday whether any of the workers 
were suspended, fired or had quit.

He did hear rumours, however, that drugs such as cocaine and 
marijuana were found during the search.

Logan Lake RCMP said they did not attend and no arrests related to 
possible discovery of drugs were made.

The Construction Allied Workers Union is investigating, said 
Oostenbrink, and wants to meet with JVD as soon as possible.

"I would have a fear about (such searches becoming a precedent)," he said.

"That's why we want to meet with the company and investigate it right 
away and ensure that our members are protected."

He emphasized that the union fully supports drug-free workplaces and 
has a strong treatment program in place for members with substance 
abuse problems.

"We believe more strongly in a proactive approach that helps people 
rather than just tries to pick them off," he said.

James Leland, business manager for Ironworkers Local 97, which also 
represents some of the contracted workers, was also caught completely 
off guard when he heard the news.

"We certainly are looking into it. Oh, yes indeed," he said when 
reached on Thursday.

He said he has never heard of such an incident happening in B.C.

Leland said none of the Ironworkers employees left the job. But the 
matter is far from concluded.

"We've filed a grievance and we're following the proper procedures," he said.

Richard Boyce, president of United Steelworkers Local 7619, which 
represents the mine's Teck employees, said although none of his 
members was impacted the situation still caused shockwaves.

"Let's face it, the RCMP can't even come in and have dogs search the 
premises without a warrant and without cause," said Boyce. "Sounds 
like to me like they're bringing in some poison practices from some 
non-union or right-to-work states in the U.S."

Boyce said United Steelworkers have a zero-tolerance policy when it 
comes to substance abuse around the workplace, which they deal with 
"when we have cause."

"It's not one of these random kind of things that we just throw a big 
bunch of stuff at the wall thinking that at some stage we're going to 
catch somebody."
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom