Network Rail – Drug and Alcohol Testing – Random and Unannounced

Our Ref: HSR/1/1
Head Office Circular: NP/175/15
24th September 2015

The Secretary
ALL BRANCHES
ALL REGIONAL COUNCILS

PLEASE RESPOND

Dear Colleague

Network Rail – Drug and Alcohol Testing – Random and Unannounced

Further to Head Office Circular NP/145/15, 4th August 2015, this matter has again been considered by the General Grades Committee who have noted and adopted the following report of their Health and Safety Sub-committee:

We note the response from Network Rail and that the company are going ahead with this change without our agreement and we remain opposed to this proposal. We further note that the company have offered a review of the operation of the new arrangements in January 2016. It is the company’s responsibility to publicise this change to the workforce and not the union.

Branches and Regional Councils to be advised.

The General Grades Committee have also called for any information on problems with the implementation of the policy. Details of any adverse impact of testing on the operation of the railway, testing halted because it would impact on railway operations and tests not carried out in an acceptable manner should be forwarded to Head Office marked for the attention of the Health and Safety Section.

Please bring the contents of this circular to the attention of all relevant members.

Yours sincerely
 
Mick Cash
General Secretary