The new management at Central Alabama Water (CAW) is continuing its efforts to comply with nationally recognized standards and procedures. This week, that meant conducting its first full-staff random drug tests on Monday.
The tests follow the adoption and implementation of a new employee handbook and a renewed focus on best practices from leading utilities around the nation.
CBS42 reported that, according to CAW spokesperson John Matson, the testing served as a baseline and that CAW will conduct drug testing moving forward. Matson said CAW has a zero-tolerance policy for substance use and that failing to meet those standards will result in termination.
A source with knowledge of the situation told 1819 News that around half of the staff were tested on Monday, and fewer than 30 tested positive; however, not all test results were in. Additionally, not everyone who tests positive will be terminated, as some employees may be taking prescription medications that could show up.
"The CEO and the Senior Executive Team initiated a company-wide drug test just days after releasing a new employee handbook and three days before the first company town hall," part of a statement from the employee association read.
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