Being that I've never been a drug user, I don't have first-hand knowledge of all the bad effects, but it is my understanding that over time, even though you are not "high", your reflexes and your judgment abilities get screwed up. Furthermore, there are drugs today that are very potent AND cheap (crack, crystal meth, crank, etc.). If they don't kill you within weeks, they turn your brain to shit. And in my area, I've heard and read increasing reports of train wrecks, and major accidents involving 18-wheelers. It kind of makes me wonder. In most occupations, you need all your faculties in order to do your job right. Many drugs also cause flashbacks that can happen without warning years after you've successfully completed rehab. If you've abused drugs for many years, they may NEVER fully leave your system.
About 8 years ago, I applied for a job at the regional headquarters of a major pharmacy/supermarket chain in south Ft. Worth. The terms at the end of the application said that by signing I agreed to a polygraph test, and a drug test. Furthermore, the policy stated that throughout my employment there, I would be subject to a random drug test at any time, and they reserved the right to randomly search my vehicle at any time. The manager who interviewed me told me my beard (it was trimmed real short) would have to go, but my mustache was OK, as long as I kept it trimmed. Of course, long hair was not tolerated either. As part of the application, I answered many questions which included "Have you ever been in a shouting or shoving match with a co-worker, supervisor or manager?" They wanted to make sure I didn't have violent tendancies.
I'm going on here, but one way or another something needs to be done to insure that the workplace is safe and can function properly. I don't see random drug tests (during the probationary period) as any more a personal threat to freedom than criminal background checks, credit checks, and previous employment checks. As for freedom of speech, would you tell the franchise owner to his face "Your a fucking bastard!!"? How long would you expect to keep your job in that event?
But yes I agree, that after you've passed probation, continuing random tests and similar actions are unreasonable harassment. That's why I'm glad that I didn't get that job I applied for. I especially didn't like the idea of my then '86 Ford Ranger being subject to a Slim-Jim entrance and search, not that I had anything to hide.
To close this, some of the crew people I've seen in the past had that druggie look to them, and didn't appear to be working very hard or carefully. Not very comforting when it comes to food sanitation and quality concerns. Also, my employer now does drug pre-screening prior to hiring. There policy also states that all employees are subject to random drug tests. I've never had one and don't know of any colleague who has. Will I refuse if I'm ever called into HR for one? No, because I signed that acknowledgement that I got the then (1995) revised handbook, and I agreed to the policies contained therein. However, I will email HR my views on random testing of post-probation employees, and attempt to get that policy changed.
Some of the visitors to this site may flame me good for this post, but I have rent and a new '97 Ranger that I'm financially obligated to.
None.
