Laserfiche WebLink
55 <br /> <br />ARTICLE 38 - DRUG/ALCOHOL WORK RULES AND TESTING PROCEDURES <br />The Union and the City agree that a committee may be formed during the term of this agreement to update this <br />article. The committee shall be made up of equal representation from labor and management. <br /> <br />Section 1 Purpose <br />The City and the Union recognize that illegal or unauthorized drug and alcohol use by employees (including <br />probationary employees) would be a threat to the public welfare and the safety of its personnel. It is the purpose of <br />this policy to eliminate or resolve illegal drug usage through education and rehabilitation of the affected <br />personnel. The use of alcoholic beverages or unauthorized drugs shall not be permitted at the City's work sites <br />and/or while an employee is on duty or attending an on-line department meeting nor, shall an employee report for <br />duty under the influence of alcohol or unauthorized drugs. <br /> <br />While the City desires to assist employees with alcohol or chemical dependency problems, safety is the City's <br />first priority. Therefore, employees must not report for work or continue working if they are under the influence <br />of, or impaired by, the prohibited substances. Employees participating in treatment programs are expected to <br />abide by all job performance standards and work rules. <br /> <br />Section 2 Policy <br />The Everett Fire Department performs a vital public service to the community. To ensure this service is delivered <br />safely, we are dedicated to providing and maintaining a drug- and alcohol- free work environment. It is the City’s <br />policy to: <br /> <br />• Ensure that employees have the ability to perform their assigned duties in a safe, healthy, and <br />productive manner <br />• Create a workplace free from the adverse effects of drug and alcohol abuse or misuse <br />• Prohibit the unlawful distribution, possession, or use of controlled substances <br />• Encourage employees to seek professional assistance any time personal problems, including alcohol <br />and drug dependency, adversely affect their ability to perform their assigned duties <br /> <br />Section 3 Fairness of Article <br /> <br />The City is dedicated to assuring fair and equitable application of this drug and alcohol work rules article. <br />Therefore, supervisors/managers are required to use and apply all aspects of this article in an unbiased and <br />impartial manner. All supervisors and managers have a duty to uphold this article. <br /> <br />Section 4 Informing Employees <br /> <br />All employees shall be fully informed of this drug and alcohol testing policy. Employees will be provided with <br />information concerning the impact of the use of alcohol and drugs on job performance. In addition, the City shall <br />inform the employees on how the tests are conducted, what the tests can determine, and the consequence of testing <br />positive for drug use. <br />The City encourages employees to seek treatment voluntarily and makes available the Employee Assistance <br />Program (EAP). Any employee who chooses to notify the fire department of alcohol or substance abuse problems <br />prior to either testing positive for alcohol or drugs, or being arrested for or convicted of a DUI, will be given the <br />assistance extended to employees with other illnesses. Sick leave, vacation leave, or leave of absence without pay <br />may be granted for treatment and rehabilitation. <br />Insurance coverage for treatment will be provided to the extent of the individual’s elected medical coverage. <br /> <br />Employees are encouraged to contact the Human Resources Department for help in understanding benefits and <br />leave policies when participating in the EAP. Any decision to seek voluntary help through the EAP or other