1.27.22 – Random Drug and Alcohol Testing Procedures

Thursday, January 27, 2022

Random Drug and Alcohol Testing Procedures

There has been some confusion about what to expect when preparing for a random drug test. Please keep this information for future reference.

Testing Site

When you arrive at the selected testing site, disregard any hours posted on the door. You are required to wait 45 minutes for the tester. Once that time has lapsed, call the Designated Employee Representative, Bridget Kirshner, (817) 729-4247, or your base MOD to be released.

You must be released from one of the parties listed. Bridget’s name and the number is listed on the CCF (Customs Custody Form).

Do not leave the testing site until you are released by Bridget or another member of Management. Leaving the testing site without being released may be considered a refusal to test.

Tester

Once your tester arrives, the tester is required to identify themselves correctly. If they don’t show ID, you can request it. Unfortunately, with the use of satellite bases, there is a multitude of different facilities that can be used.

If a public restroom is used, it should be cleared of any other individuals. You should expect a clean and private restroom to complete your test.

Do not be alarmed if the restroom is locked behind you, this is done to prevent anyone else from entering.

Test Process

Once the testing has begun, you can expect to see a bluing agent in all toilets in the facility, and your ability to access the water faucets will not be available until the end of your test.

Your belongings and outer clothing should be left outside of the bathroom stall. These steps are taken to reduce the chances of any tampering.

At the time of your test, you will be given a collection container and will be directed to void at least 45ml of urine. You should be present for the opening of the collection supplies. When you give the tester the container with your urine, it will be temperature checked and visually checked for other proper signs to ensure it hasn’t been altered. Remember to keep a visual of your specimen until it is properly sealed.

Irregularities

Call Bridget immediately if you notice any irregularities that are not remedied with your request.

It is best to address any issues at the time of your test.

If you are not able to void the proper amount of urine or are unable to properly do the breathalyzer, see your primary care physician immediately to obtain documentation to give a valid medical reason for not being able to complete your test.

You have five (5) days to complete this step. You want to furnish this documentation to the Medical Review Officer (MRO) when they contact you with your results. Providing a medical reason will allow them to disregard your failed test.

Post Testing

Should you be contacted by the MRO about a test result, the Flight Attendant will be first notified to determine if there is a medical prescription for the found drug. All prescriptions should be current within six (6) months. The MRO will give you an opportunity to send proof.

If it is an illegal substance or you don’t have a prescription, the MRO will contact the company to report the positive drug test.

Post Notification

A Flight Attendant who is notified of a positive result is required to meet with Flight Service(normally his/her FSM) within three (3) days after notification of a confirmed positive result (including those that at the time of testing were unknown to be adulterated or substituted, but later confirmed adulterated or substituted).

Note: The Flight Attendant is pay withheld immediately following notification of the positive result until meeting with their Flight Service Manager (FSM) and the Substance Abuse Professional (SAP). After the SAP initial evaluation, D&A will send out pay instructions for going forward. It will follow similarly to the prior policy’s alcohol positive– if the SAP determines the Flight Attendant is chemically dependent, the employee can use sick/unpaid sick to cover the absence.

Substance Abuse Professional (SAP)

If the SAP determines the Flight Attendant is not chemically dependent, the employee will be placed on an unpaid suspension from the SAP evaluation date until cleared to return. If the Flight Attendant fails to attend either the meeting with the FSM or SAP, their status will be changed to unpaid withheld.

A “Return to Work” Letter of Understanding needs to be signed within seven (7) days of receipt of the agreement, if applicable (executed letters are to be returned to the Drug & Alcohol Policy department).

Flight Attendant is required to meet with SAP for initial evaluation within five (5) days of the signing of the “Return to Work” Letter of Understanding.

Employee Representative

Bridget Kirshner
(817) 729-4247

APFA is planning an upcoming virtual membership meeting on Wednesday, February 2, to offer APFA National Department updates. We are looking forward to seeing everyone.

In Solidarity,

Sharon Dunn
APFA National EAP Representative
[email protected]