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Indiana: Two percent fail job-training drug tests

Associated Press
December 29, 2011
Keywords
Education & Workforce Development, Government, Government & Economic Development, State Government, Vocational training
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Indiana officials say a drug-testing program that started in July for people seeking job training has led to about 2 percent of applicants failing.

The state Department of Workforce Development says 13 people, or 1 percent, of the 1,240 applicants tested for drugs through the end of November had failed the test. Three people refused to take the test. Seven other samples were so diluted that they needed to be retested.

Agency Commissioner Mark Everson told The Associated Press he believes the program has been more effective than the numbers show. He expects many who would have failed didn't bother applying because they knew they wouldn't pass.

The ACLU said it thinks such tests are unconstitutional, but it hasn't challenged the practice because it has not received any formal complaints.

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  • What % Was Marijuana?
    Mr. ObviousDecember 30, 2011 12:30 PM
    Marijuana is really no different than a combination of Alcohol / Tobacco, yet it is classified and treated as an illegal narcotic. If included in these tests, it likely skews the numbers dramatically. It should be reclassified and decriminalized regardless, that's just common sense.

    As for now, Prohibition is alive and well. Regulate and tax it like Alcohol / Tobacco and leave it up to individual Companies/Unions/States/Locales on how to handle the substance and Testing Procedures.

    Reply to CommentFlag Comment
  • Drug Testing
    TerryDecember 29, 2011 12:22 PM
    Sadly, we have seen between 2% and 4% of our employees fail mandatory drug testing over the years. We never discharge the employee without first getting the employee enrolled in a rehabilitation program, and then requiring the employee be tested monthly for six months following the rehab program. We have never filed a claim against the employee's insurance coverage. We keep the issue inside the company. If the employee fails a second drug screen, they are given thirty days to find another job. Anyone can become addicted to drugs and alcohol. We value our employees and want them to feel we care about their wellbeing. However, they must accept responsibility for their actions.
    Reply to CommentFlag Comment

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