First TTC driver tests positive for impairment on the job
A TTC driver has tested positive for impairment on the job for the first time since the transit agency implemented its new random drug testing policy.
Of the seven other employees of who have tested positive since the policy came into effect on May 8, no others have been drivers.
TTC spokesperson Brad Ross confirmed that another employee also tested positive last week for impairment.
A judge upheld the TTC's decision in April to require employees to take random drug and alcohol tests, despite attempts by their union to block the policy.
"Having this random program in place, while it is concerning when someone tests positive, it is also validating to us knowing we have this program in place and we can reduce the number of impairments in the workplace," said Ross. "People will realize [they] can get caught and that this actually works."
More than 10,000 TTC employees are subject to random drug and alcohol testing.
Ross said the transit agency only tests for impairment on the job.
"We're not looking for people who might smoke a joint in their own time," he said. "That's none of our business as an employer, what is our business is if you come to work impaired."
TTC CEO Andy Byford was recently among those randomly selected to be tested, Ross confirmed. The test came back negative.
