PENNSYLVANIA Pittsburgh Firefighters Agree to Random Drug Testing

Pittsburgh‘s firefighters say “yes” to random drug testing for the first time in city history, as part of a policy where firefighters may be fired for a second drug offense.

According to the Associated Press, the testing agreement was announced recently as part of a new five-year contract backed by the International Association of Fire Fighters Local 1.

Under the new policy, firefighters who do not pass a drug test are to be placed on a “last chance agreement” whereby they can be fired for a second failed drug test. (workersxzcompxzkit)

The decision on whether to fire firefighters over a drug test will also be handled by neutral arbiters as opposed to a trial board consisting of three other firefighters. The trial boards will still be in place to review potential firings for other offenses.

Author Robert Elliott, executive vice president, Amaxx Risks Solutions, Inc. has worked successfully for 20 years with many industries to reduce Workers’ Compensation costs, including airlines, health care, manufacturing, printing/publishing, pharmaceuticals, retail, hospitality and manufacturing. He can be contacted at: [email protected] or 860-553-6604.

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Do not use this information without independent verification. All state laws vary. You should consult with your insurance broker about workers’ comp issues.