Qantas drug-tests to start at top
EXECUTIVES at Qantas may be restricted to mineral water at corporate lunches after an industrial relations commission ruled that they should be the first subjects of a trial of random alcohol and drug tests at the company.
Unions for staff at the Australian partner of British Airways took Qantas to the commission over the proposed testing, claiming breach of privacy.
Staff would have to report prescription drugs they were taking. The issue threatened widespread disruption after sparking a strike meeting in Melbourne earlier this week.
'It's not just about illegal drugs, it's not just about alcohol - it's about over-the-counter medicines, it's about prescription medicines,' said Australian Services Union official Jo Justo. 'You will have to report if you are on Viagra, you will have to report if you are taking IVF medicines.'
The IRC upheld the unions' claim, saying the test should be conducted only on non-union staff. It is understood the trial involving non-union executives will begin next month. 'The view of unions is that if the individual is under medication that does not impair their performance, it is no business of the employer,' said trades union official Richard Watts.
