The TTC says employees will soon be subject to random drug and alcohol testing now that funding has been approved for the program.
In a memo sent to staff Monday, TTC CEO Andy Byford said random testing will go ahead as details of the program are finalized in the coming months.
“In 2011, random testing was added to the (Fitness for Duty) policy, though funding was not approved and, as such, that part of the program was not implemented,” Byford said in the written statement.
“With the board’s funding approval in March, however, we will now take steps over the next few months to finalize the program including hiring a third party to administer and implement random alcohol and drug testing at the TTC.”
He said that since the Fitness for Duty policy was implemented in 2010, there have been “continued instances” of employees being impaired at work.
“That is simply unacceptable,” Byford added.
“There have been an increasing number of incidents with respect to impairment or test refusals in the workplace," TTC spokesman Brad Ross told CTV Toronto. "With those rising numbers we have an obligation, a duty as an employer and public transit provider that the TTC remains as safe as possible."
The TTC’s decision comes amid ongoing arbitration on the policy between the TTC and the transit service’s largest union.
“Given the seriousness of this issue- it is after all, a workplace and public safety matter- the arbitration process is taking far too long to conclude,” Byford said, adding that the TTC will be asking the province to make random drug testing mandatory for public transit agencies across Ontario.
The memo clarified that random testing only tests for impairment at work and does not take into account what employees do while they are off the clock.
“Any of us subject to the Fitness for Duty policy, me and those on the executive included, who shows up to work under the influence of alcohol or drugs cannot be allowed to continue their duties,” Byford concluded.
Amalgamated Transit Union Local 113 president Bob Kinnear said that the drug and alcohol testing invades the privacy of TTC employees.
"I can tell you our members are very upset," he told CTV Toronto. "We're all about safety. We will work with the TTC in any way we can to improve the safety of one of the safest transit systems in North America."
TTC operator Mark Driver told CTV Toronto that the change will likely improve the judgement of TTC drivers.
“If it’s something that impedes your judgement while driving, then of course, by all means, test for it,” said TTC operator Mark Driver.
Many TTC riders also say they're on board with the changes.
“They’re responsible for a lot of lives. I think it makes sense that people who drive everyday should be responsible for what they’re doing,” one TTC rider told CTV Toronto.
“It’s for the safety of everyone else so it makes sense,” said another.
With files from Natalie Johnson.
