Network Rail – Drugs & Alcohol Testing, Random & Unannounced

Our Ref: HSR/1/1
Head Office Circular: NP/145/15
4th August 2015

The Secretary
ALL BRANCHES
ALL REGIONAL COUNCILS

Dear Colleague

NETWORK RAIL – DRUGS & ALCOHOL TESTING, RANDOM & UNANNOUNCED

Further to Head Office Circular NP/094/15, 21st May 2015 I am writing to advise and update you of further decisions and developments on this important matter. The General Grades Committee have noted and adopted the following report of their Health and Safety Sub-committee.

“We note the report on file and the proposal from the company. RMT believe that the education and cultural change programme the rail industry have adopted over recent years has resulted in a workforce that fully understands their individual responsibilities to arrive for work fit for duty. We further believe that ‘for cause’ and due diligence testing and the current random and unannounced testing processes remain fit for purpose.

The General Secretary is instructed to convey that we remain opposed to the proposed new regime. The General Secretary is further instructed to convey to the company our concerns over the operational impact of the new arrangements and that they have not been properly assessed. Ultimately we remain convinced there is no need for change.
 
Branches and Regional Councils be advised.”
I am acting in accordance with these instructions and will keep you informed of any further developments. Please bring the contents of this circular to the attention of all relevant members.

Yours sincerely
 
Mick Cash
General Secretary