CFMEU FORESTRY AND FURNISHING PRODUCTS DIVISION

NATIONAL DIVISIONAL POLICY ON ALCOHOL AND OTHER DRUGS

ENDORSED BY THE NATIONAL DIVISIONAL EXECUTIVE


ALCOHOL AND OTHER DRUGS POLICY

This document sets out the Policy of the CFMEU FORESTRY AND FURNISHING PRODUCTS DIVISION on Alcohol and other Drugs for the information of Members and Officials.

Included with the Policy is an introduction, which provides a background for the reading and application of the Policy.

This Policy is binding on all CFMEU FORESTRY AND FURNISHING PRODUCTS DIVISION Members and Officials.

Any queries about the Policy should be directed to either the Branch or National Divisional Office.


1. INTRODUCTION

The CFMEU FORESTRY AND FURNISHING PRODUCTS DIVISION recognises there is widespread concern with the issue of alcohol and drug use and dependency at the workplace. The concern arises from the aspect of the health and well being of the affected worker and the safety of other workers who may be put at risk by a person whose performance has been impaired by alcohol or other drugs.

The CFMEU FORESTRY AND FURNISHING PRODUCTS DIVISION acknowledges that the use of alcohol and other drugs may be a symptom of other problems. There are a number of work factors over which the individual employee has little control, which will contribute to alcohol or other drug use. These factors include:

  • Hazardous work
  • Poor work environment
  • Unrealistic deadlines
  • Lack of job satisfaction
  • Lack of participation and control
  • Inadequate training and supervision
  • Work culture
  • Shift work

It is only when drugs and alcohol are misused to the extent that the user cannot properly and safely carry out regular duties that a need arises for control and prevention measures. In any consideration of the appropriate response, in particular workplaces there must firstly be involvement of Union representation and secondly examination of the broad environment factors such as those listed above.

Alcohol and drugs in the workplace must be seen in the context of the broad responsibility of an employer in regard to providing a safe and healthy workplace. Employers who demonstrate a disregard for their responsibilities in this area should not expect cooperation from the Union should they seek to focus on the narrow issue of alcohol and drug use. Any activity in this area must be part of a broadly based occupational health, safety and welfare program which is jointly developed by the employers and the Union.

2. GENERAL PRINCIPLES

There must be joint development between the Union and the employers of comprehensive workplace occupational health, safety and welfare programs designed to identify, assess and control workplace hazards.
Should alcohol or other drug misuse be identified as a workplace issue, there will be joint development of a workplace specific alcohol and other drug program which should:

  • Be solely related to safety at work
  • Have full participation in and joint control by workers and their representatives
  • Be applicable to both workers and management
  • Address the workplace causes of alcohol or other drug misuse
  • Be consultative, educative and rehabilitative not punitive
  • Maintain confidentiality at all levels.
Rehabilitative action should be undertaken during working hours or through schemes which include paid leave.

3. POLICY DETAILS

The CFMEU FORESTRY AND FURNISHING PRODUCTS DIVISION is conscious of the effects which alcoholism and drug dependence have on the Australian community in terms of human suffering to the individual, resulting in serious consequences to families, work and social life.

The CFMEU FORESTRY AND FURNISHING PRODUCTS DIVISION recognises that alcoholism and other drug dependencies, although highly complex and sensitive conditions are treatable, and that complete rehabilitation can usually be effected through early intervention and referral.

The CFMEU FOREST AND FOREST PRODUCTS DIVISION therefore strongly supports the "Employee Assistance Programme" approach which has been specifically designed and sponsored by the tripartite National Alcohol and Drug Dependence Industry Committee (NADDIC) to assist employees with these and other problems. These programmes are currently operating in all Australian States and Territories and are designed to offer help and treatment rather than dismissal. They also provide that:

1. Alcoholism, drug dependency and many other personal problems are recognised as conditions which can be overcome.
2. Employees with such conditions should be provided with the same opportunity to obtain assistance and be entitled to the same rights and benefits as any other employee who is sick.
3. Referral will not affect job security, promotion, status or other privileges.
4. Referred employees will be entitled to the same respect and confidentiality as employees with any other health problem.
5. The policy and programme applies through all levels of the organisation.

The CFMEU FORESTRY AND FURNISHING PRODUCTS DIVISION will continue to assist in the development of these programmes in the following ways:

  • By encouraging employers to institute such programmes – either on an individual or
  • industry basis;
  • By cooperating in the policy formulation and procedures necessary to make the programme work effectively;
  • By participating in the coordinating committee set up to run the programme;
  • By making sure that officials and delegates know what the programme is designed to do and how to use it effectively;
  • By publicising the programme so that all members are aware of it.
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