CFMEU supports mandatory drug testing on work sites to stop use of drugs such as ice

THE CFMEU has changed its policy and now wants drug tests on all work sites due to its members’ concerns about colleagues under the effects of drugs such as ice.

THE powerful CFMEU wants mandatory drug tests on all work sites in the wake of safety risks posed by people coming to work affected by ice.

The Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union, which has been mired in allegations of links with bikies, yesterday announced a policy on blanket drug and alcohol testing for employers and employees.

The union says people turning up to work under the influence were putting lives at risk and a recent near-miss incident involving a crane that is under investigation was the last straw.

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In the same week that an Australian Crime Commission report painted the stark picture of the rise of ice among the country’s drug users, the CFMEU estimated as many as 5 per cent of construction workers used the drug.

CFMEU national construction secretary Dave Noonan said the drug posed a threat not seen for other recreational drug users.

The CFMEU’s Dave Noonan says the move comes down to safety.

“The emergence of ice has caused us to have a serious discussion about the way forward,” Mr Noonan said.

The union was changing its policy because of concerns raised by members who worried about the safety risks involved with working with colleagues who were either addicts, or had taken drugs or alcohol, he said.

The union wants mandatory saliva testing for employers, construction workers, crane drivers and tradesmen on site.

“Our proposal is not punitive – it’s about safety and providing support for people,” Mr Noonan said.

Master Builders said it was surprised by the new policy but welcomed it.

“Master Builders will sit down with the CFMEU if they are genuine and willing to have sensible discussions on practical solutions on how a testing regime can be implemented,” chief executive Wilhelm Harnisch said.

He said the organisation had been a long-term supporter of compulsory random drug and alcohol testing to ensure workers returned home each day safely to their families.

Originally published as CFMEU supports mandatory drug testing on work sites to stop use of drugs such as ice