A report back before Senior Deputy President Watson was held today (Tuesday 9 September 2003) in the Australian Industrial Relations Commission. Both Qantas and the ACTU on behalf of Qantas Unions reported that no agreement had been reached regarding the introduction of random drug and alcohol testing.

The ACTU told the AIRC that staff and their unions continue to oppose a random system of drug & alcohol testing. Random testing is in our view an invasion of the privacy of staff and will also result in a unilateral attempt by Qantas to change the contract of employment of staff.

We continue to argue instead for a policy to allow for testing in circumstances where a staff member is showing signs of impairment or when there is an accident or incident in the workplace.

We all support a safe workplace

With this approach in mind unions have developed an alternative policy for Qantas to consider dealing with testing only under these circumstances. Qantas are yet to respond to the union's policy paper but further discussion will be held in the coming weeks. It was reported at the AIRC today that the following was agreed.

• Qantas, the ACTU and Unions agree to finalise policy and procedure issues on all matters other than those associated with random testing by end of October 2003.
  
• It is agreed in principle, that alcohol and drug testing for show cause and incident testing will be implemented by Qantas, with a target commencement date of 1 December 2003.
  
• Prior to the introduction of show cause or incident testing, the parties will seek to agree on those policy and procedure issues particular to such testing.
  
• The implementation of show cause or incident testing will be subject to communication of any changes to policy and the completion of education and training programs for staff.

It was reported at the AIRC today that the following was not agreed but was an accurate reflection of the state of play.

• Qantas and the Unions have not reached agreement regarding random drug and alcohol testing.
  
• Qantas' reported that they still intend to introduce random drug and alcohol testing. They did not say when.
  
• The ACTU and Qantas Unions oppose the introduction of random drug and alcohol testing and continue to advocate for an impairment based testing policy.

Discussions will continue and there is another report back to the Industrial Relations Commission on 7th October 2003.

Unions United

Qantas staff and their unions remain united in the campaign to oppose random testing at Qantas. There is no doubt that Qantas want to press ahead with their plans to invade the privacy of hard working and dedicated staff. We must continue to stick together to oppose these draconian measures.

Staff should be wary of any attempt by Qantas to change existing contracts of employment. Any staff member asked to sign a new contract particularly if you are promoted or transferring within departments should seek urgent advice from your ASU Delegate or Organiser.

Let's continue to stick together and support the union wide campaign to oppose random testing.