CFMEU changes position on mandatory drug and alcohol testing

Mandatory alcohol and drug testing is now part of the CFMEU’s proposed impairment policy for the construction industry.

The impairment policy being proposed by the construction division of the CFMEU addresses impairment risks associated with the use of drugs and alcohol, as well as other factors such as fatigue, physical and mental health, job insecurity, and injury and illness.



The union has traditionally opposed mandatory alcohol and drug testing policies. However, CFMEU National Construction Secretary Dave Noonan explained that its new position reflected member concerns about the safety risks a worker may be exposed to when working with someone who is impaired by drug or substance abuse.

“Our proposal is not punitive — it’s about safety and providing support for people to turn their lives around.”



“We acknowledge that testing already happens in specific circumstances in the industry and accept that our membership is increasingly concerned about the problems associated with people turning up to work impaired and the risks this poses”, Mr Noonan said.