Substance Abuse Program
Effective January 1, 2009, a mandatory, collectively-bargained, random drug testing policy went into effect for members of UA Local Union 597 and all signatory contractors. Under the policy, every member performing work covered under the Area and Industrial Agreements will be randomly drug tested. The program will be run by an independent third party administrator, CDS, who will maintain total confidentiality in the substance abuse testing process. The purpose of this policy is to increase jobsite safety for everyone and to provide the necessary assistance to any employee who has a problem with drugs or alcohol.
Signatory contractors will play a key role in the testing program. All contractors signatory to the Area and Industrial Agreements will be required to register with CDS and designate appropriate representatives, known as communicators, who will handle receipt and notice in relation to 597 members who have been randomly selected for a drug test. It will be the contractor’s responsibility to monitor the policy compliance status of each of their 597 employees and to check on any new hire’s compliance status before putting that individual to work.
Random testing will begin on or about March 1, 2009. Please find here a copy of the substance abuse policy and additional information that will be of assistance to you. For more information, please contact the MCA offices or CDS.