PITTSBURGH — Allegheny County has changed its drug-testing policy for all prospective employees.
All potential employees will have to undergo drug testing before they are hired.
The new policy went into effect on April 1. Prior to the change, some departments were testing but others were not.
This change in policy does not affect current employees, but wants random drug testing for 911 employees and workers who operate county equipment or vehicles.
Employees can also be tested is they are suspected of being under the influence or they’re involved in an accident in a county vehicle.
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A spokesperson for the Service Employees International Union said some workers have expressed privacy concerns about random drug testing.
"The union doesn't have an issue with making sure members are sober and straight when they go to work. We think our jobs are important and valuable," John Listisen, of the SEIU, said.
Officials said the new policy for potential employees is all about safety and productivity.
The new policy does not eliminate prospective candidates permanently, they are allowed to reapply in six months.