Royal Mail is running an extended Pilot in the Scotland ROD Area (and seven other ROD Areas) for “For-Cause Drug and Alcohol Testing”. For-cause means when a manager suspects someone is under the influence of either Drugs or Alcohol at work and consequently instigates a test (for both drugs and alcohol).
The Pilot for your ROD Area has been agreed by the CWU and commences on Monday, 9th February and runs until at least the end of March. The CWU will be closely monitoring the Pilot, including all steps of the process.
The Union’s Postal Executive felt it was better for us to be involved in the Pilot to secure key safeguards and protections for our members,
which are as follows:
1. This testing is only for Drivers. If you are a walking postman in a shared van, using an HCT, working in a Mail Centre or performing an
indoor role, you are not subject to For-Cause testing.
2. During the Pilot, any member who fails a test and agrees to enter the Support & Rehabilitation Services will not be subject to
Conduct for the failed test. However, if you refuse a test, you will be subject to the Conduct Code even if you had no drugs or
alcohol in your system.
We therefore strongly advise you not to refuse a test.
3. Tests can only be conducted because a manager has themselves observed someone they personally believe may be under theinfluence of drugs or alcohol. Social media, hearsay or rumours are not acceptable reasons for a For-Cause test to be instigated.
4. The manager must follow the “Manager Decision Tree” to determine whether a test should be instigated. This process has
been agreed by the Union for the purposes of the Pilot, and is a robust activity to ensure managers do not instigate a For-Cause test
without good reason.
5. You are under no obligation to stay after your shift for a test.
If you get to the end of your hours and the testing people (Abbotts Laboratories) have not arrived, you can go home without any
penalty and be tested the next time you are at work.
6. If you are asked to have a test, you are entitled to have a Rep with you, even when doing the test, as long as this doesn’t delay
the test. If your local Rep isn’t available, please contact your Area Rep and Branch immediately.
The key protections above are very important. We also want to know every time one of our members is requested by management to take a Drugs & Alcohol test, so please make sure you inform us if you are requested to take a test.
If you have any further questions, please speak to your Local or Area rep or contact the CWU Glasgow and District Amal. Branch office
Yours sincerely,
John Carson
Branch Secretary
