Question

Research the issues around the TTC drug testing policy vs employee privacy rights. Outline the arguments for and against the implementation of random drug tests for TTC employees. Outline your opinion.

Answer 1

Against: The use of drug tests among the employees of The Toronto Transport Corporation is an important step ahead to ensure that the employees are out of addiction both at work and in their personal lives. The TTC has a list of drugs that tend to have a long term effect on the nervous system which is responsible for the disability of the person’s ability to work or respond as per the need.

For: However, people may suggest that they have their personal lives and their own choices for it. So few drugs like Alcohol, Tobacco, and Cannabis during the holidays can be permitted which would balance both safeties as well as the employee’s rights as is argued.

Issues : This is not a privacy issue as is said since the abuse of drugs for a long period has a negative effect which a business like TTC can't afford to have. The safety of the passengers, assets like the buses as well as the behavior of the individual is at risk which makes many lives be in danger at the hands of such drug abusers working with TTC.

My opinion is that the random drug test for the employees at the TTC is a good decision since the responsibility of the people working there is more since the lives and wellbeing of many are in their hands due to the nature of operations. The random test for drug abuse with some exceptions like prescribed ones, alcohol during off-hours, or even cannabis on the holidays may be allowed which have a list which must be followed to keep both aspects of employee’s life and happiness with the safety and security of operations intact.