Pubdate: Fri, 27 Mar 2015
Source: Toronto Sun (CN ON)
Copyright: 2015 Canoe Limited Partnership
Contact: http://www.torontosun.com/letter-to-editor
Website: http://torontosun.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/457
Author: Don Peat
Page: 10

RANDOM DRUG TESTS AT TTC HELD UP

Random drug and alcohol tests of TTC workers are being held up by a
union grievance more than three years after commissioners approved the
idea, CEO Andy Byford confirmed Thursday.

The TTC approved random testing in October 2011 but is currently only
testing people before they are hired, after an incident or if they
have suspicion an employee is under the influence.

"The issue of random testing is a contentious one," Byford said. "It
is being grieved by the union."

Amalgamated Transit Union Local 113 president Bob Kinnear said they
"absolutely" have an issue with random testing.

"We oppose any random testing," Kinnear said. "It's very invasive and
I don't think our people should have to go through it."

The transit union has spent around $800,000 on arbitration over drug
and alcohol testing, Kinnear said. Although the TTC couldn't provide a
figure, Kinnear estimated the commission has spent closer to $2
million on the arbitration.

Lack of sleep is a "bigger problem" and there is not a systemic
problem of drug and alcohol abuse, he said.
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MAP posted-by: Matt