Unions at Qantas are taking a stand against a proposed random drug and alcohol testing scheme that the airline wants to introduce.

Union meetings around the country have unanimously rejected the scheme, which would mean random alcohol and drug testing for all employees.

What has upset many employees is the fact that the scheme will not just apply to alcohol and illegal drugs; some over-the-counter cold and flu medication are included in Qantas' banned list of medication that must be reported.

Under the policy, Qantas will force every employee to inform their supervisor of the type of medication they are on, why they are taking the medication and in certain circumstances, to provide permission for Qantas to speak to their doctor.

ASU National Assistant Secretary Linda White said the proposed policy was a gross and unwarranted invasion of the privacy of every Qantas employee.

Qantas Delegate and ASU Vice President Terry Heinemann said members were strong opposed to the random testing regime.

It is a heavy handed approach to a problem that our day to day experience says doesn't even exist. People are outraged and very suspicious, he said.

The first round of the fight seems to have been won, with the Industrial Relations Commission ruling that the initial trial should be suspended. Instead, only Qantas executives will now be subject to the testing trial! Linda said this was an important victory, but did not indicate the testing regime was defeated altogether.

 

Aged Care

Airlines

BCC

Call Centres

Energy

General Clerical

Private Health

State Government

QHealth

Transport

Higher Education


Media

Legal

Leisure

ASU Shop
Authorised and published by Julie Bignell, Branch Secretary Australian Services Union Central and Southern Queensland Clerical and Administrative Branch, 29 Amelia Street, Fortitude Valley, Queensland, 4006
Print Page |  Privacy | Authorisation | email: info@qld.asu.net.au
Site by APT Solutions