High court will decide on random testing

The Supreme Court of Canada will decide whether it is legal for companies to conduct random alcohol testing of employees in factory conditions which may be dangerous.  The case arises out of a decision by the Irving Pulp and Paper Company is New Brunswick to introduce such tests in its mill there.  As is usually the case, the road to the Supreme Court has been a long one, beginning in 2006 in this case. Positions hardened after a local arbitration panel said Irving had not proven that the admittedly dangerous mill conditions were suitably “ultra dangerous.” This eyebrow raiser has been dismissed by various courts, which found the testing reasonable in the circumstances. But now the Communications Energy and Paperworkers Union of Canada (CEP) will take their concern for privacy to the highest court in the land..