Should TTC Drivers have to submit to random drug & alcohol tests?

[avxl1003]

For some reason a lot of people think it's an "invasion of privacy".. Personally I think it's shit. If I'm getting on a bus you're driving, you'd better be sobre, and you'd better be willing to prove it 100% of the time.. But that's just my opinion.

For those who need to familiarize themselves with the subject there is a link below to a G&M article on it.

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/toronto/toronto-transit-agency-votes-to-bring-in-drug-testing-for-staff/article2206892/

 

[red]

no they should not

 

[sleazure]

It depends whether the tests accomplish anything useful.


If you can believe what Kinnear said on the radio a few days ago, these tests won't show whether the subject is impaired, only whether they have used dope or booze during the last few days. Sounds kinda like our Olympic snowboarder who tested positive for THC after the event; no proof that he was high for the event.

If that's all the tests can accomplish, we're spending money without improving safety.

We need to know whether these guys are high or not.

 

[Yoga Face]

I understand poppy seeds have the same metabolites as dope so no eating bagels with poppy seeds

 

[good to go]

Easiest way to solve this is have the drivers show up to be inspected by an officer before their shift starts. If the police suspect anything then they will do a test to confirm or deny anything before they start their shifts. The police know what to look for better than any inspector or office worker would. That way random testing is out which will save money and the situation will be handled before they get in the vehicle.

 

[nondescriptive]

...............They are charged with the public safety.....

Ditto, nuff said, random drug testing should be invoked.

 

[LKD]

All busses should have breathalizers and drug testing system attached to the ignition system.

 

[avxl1003]

All busses should have breathalizers and drug testing system attached to the ignition system.

To be honest, I'd be happy with this. I have my doubts as to how many TTC drivers smoke up.. I seriously doubt many at all do hard core drugs... But I guarantee you there's been a lot more drinking and driving going on than most would like to admit.

 

[rhuarc29]

I find it strange that there's even an issue with this. What is the RIDE program if not a random alcohol test? Any occupation that puts a large number of people at risk if the employee is under the influence should have random drug/alcohol tests.

 

[Moraff]

So if you agree that TTC drivers should be tested, by extension we should expand the program so that anyone driving a vehicle be subject to the same tests.

 

[milehigh]

I agree with tests to see if you impaired. However, recreational pot stays in your system 30 days - these tests take this in account where the present state of the person should be the issue. If you are not impaired with alcolohol that is fine - you don't test for 30 days ago - the same should be case with pot.

It comes down to testing for past us of a drug that should be legal. Harder drugs don't stay long and alcohol is socially accepted.

The present impairment is the the issue - I have no prob with that - testing for any drug. Drugs tests go far beyond that.

 

[fmahovalich]

Not only bus drivers.... I say Police, Ambulance and Fire should have regular RANDOM as well!!

 

[JonSlid]

Forget the drug test, TTC staff should comply to a simple test, answer the following:

1) You work for the TTC and your real customer are the patrons of the TTC, and you will do your best to move the citizens of Toronto via the transit system

2) You work for the UNION, period - You do not need to give a shit about the TTC, its schedules, it patrons/riders, or any negative opinions of Toronto citizens. ALL you should care about is salary increase, equivalent to about 3% due to annual inflation rates, forever. The union will protect you from random drug tests - the drug test will NEVER pass. The UNION is GOD - here to stay - SUCKERS!

Sadly, too many TTC workers fall into category (2).

 

[simon482]

i have random drug testing and i don't have people to worry about. i think anytime your job could cause someone else to die, you should have to submit for drug testing. alcohol testing no, who doesn't go home and have a drink after work, that is normal shit.

i also think that any drive that requires driving should have a breathalyzer before you get in the vehicle.

 

[simon482]

I agree with tests to see if you impaired. However, recreational pot stays in your system 30 days - these tests take this in account where the present state of the person should be the issue. If you are not impaired with alcolohol that is fine - you don't test for 30 days ago - the same should be case with pot.

It comes down to testing for past us of a drug that should be legal. Harder drugs don't stay long and alcohol is socially accepted.

The present impairment is the the issue - I have no prob with that - testing for any drug. Drugs tests go far beyond that.

not that i consider pot a drug, but the law does. so testing for pot is part of the drug test. i talked to the guy that did my drug test, he told me it stays in your system for 90 days, not the 30 you are saying and according to the gov't, if you smoke pot, you do everything else as well. if they wanted to test for chemical drugs they would need to test you every other day since it is cleared out in 72 hours.

 

[sleazure]

Not only bus drivers.... I say Police, Ambulance and Fire should have regular RANDOM as well!!

Hell, why stop there? Hook them up to a lie detector and ask if they ever cheated on their taxes or broke the speed limit.

 

[Jennifer_]

you are in control of a motor vehicle where people trust you to get them to their destination safely.... you damn well better be sober.

They are saying that the test they will do only shows if you're intoxicated at the time - not that you partake in recreational substances when you're not at work....

I know someone who drives a subway - he's not a friend but an acquaintance. I am pretty-sure he's gone into work without proper sleep after a night of partying. I have no problem with him being forced to be more responsible when he has to go to work the next day. I am a TTC user and I wouldn't want to know he was driving my subway on a Sunday....

 

[blackrock13]

Hell, why stop there? Hook them up to a lie detector and ask if they ever cheated on their taxes or broke the speed limit.

Cheating on their taxes doesn't endanger the public much. It a little tricky to speed in a streetcar or passenger bus on TO streets

 

[shakenbake]

So if you agree that TTC drivers should be tested, by extension we should expand the program so that anyone driving a vehicle be subject to the same tests.

We already are subject to random testing, especially around the holiday season when assholes drink or dope up and drive.

 

[oldjones]

As long as the testing requirement also applies to the managers just back from lunch and on their way into the meeting that sets the drivers' schedules.