Pubdate: Wed, 12 Jan 2005
Source: Province, The (CN BC)
Copyright: 2005 The Province
Contact:  http://www.canada.com/vancouver/theprovince/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/476
Author: Douglas Hockley

DRUG AND ALCOHOL TESTING A SLIPPERY SLOPE

The suggestion by Mothers Against Drunk Drivers for random drug and
alcohol testing is a misinformed reaction to a problem easily managed
by a well-written and clearly understood substance-abuse policy.

Where would testing every occupation that affects other people end?

Would it be reasonable to expect everyone in a hospital operating room
be tested prior to a patient's surgery?

Would it be reasonable to expect judges be subjected to alcohol and
drug testing prior to weighing the guilt or innocence of an accused in
a murder trial?

How about every air traffic controller? How about every nurse in a
critical care unit? How about taxi drivers?

Substance-abuse testing is an inaccurate form of supervision for any
group of employees.

It is a gross violation of civil liberties and is completely
unnecessary, given the multitude of management and union initiatives
that should be encouraged as alternatives.

Douglas Hockley,

Sechelt
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MAP posted-by: Derek