Unlawful Drugs in the Workplace Policy
Policy #003
- Adopted: August 27, 1990
- Effective: August 27, 1990
Introduction
Unlawful drugs cannot be tolerated in the workplace. They impair the ability of employees to function, contribute to increased absenteeism and tardiness, and are a violation of the rules of the workplace at the Kalamazoo Public Library. These actions, in turn, often lead to the disruption of work schedules, and dissatisfaction among the majority of employees of the Library who are sincerely trying to do conscientious jobs. Possession, use, and abuse of unlawful drugs in the workplace also create health and safety hazards.
It is the Library's belief that the combination of these factors relating to unlawful drugs in the workplace has a potentially damaging effect on the Library's efficiency as an entity, and thus endangers the welfare of the Library, its clients, its employees and their families.
Policy Regarding Unlawful Drugs in the Workplace
Employees of the Library are prohibited from engaging in the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession, or use of any and all unlawful narcotics and controlled substances in the workplace.
Employees who violate the terms of this policy statement will be subject to immediate dismissal.
The Library's Drug Free Awareness Program
The Library recognizes that, in some cases, unlawful drug use and abuse is a result of drug dependency, which various authorities believe is a disease.
The Library believes that unlawful drug use must be dealt with firmly, immediately and efficiently. To that end, the Library has established its Drug Free Awareness Program to inform employees about the dangers of workplace drug abuse. Through this program, it is the Library's intent to maintain a drug free workplace, as required by law and as set forth in the above policy, and to advise employees of the availability of drug counseling, rehabilitation, and employee assistance programs. Another purpose of the Drug Free Awareness Program is to advise employees of the penalties and sanctions that may be imposed upon employees who abuse drugs.
Availability of Assistance Programs
Various programs providing drug counseling, rehabilitation, and employee assistance are available in this area. The names and addresses of these programs can be obtained from local medical institutions, "The Directory of Community Resources" published by the Library, the Yellow Pages of the local telephone directory, and other resources, many of which are available in the reference collection of the Library.
Notice to Employees as to Conditions of Employment Regarding Drug Free Workplace and Penalties That May Be Imposed Upon Employees
The Library employees are required, as a condition of employment, to abide by the Library's policy regarding a drug-free workplace which is set forth above. In addition to abiding by that policy, employees must also do the following:
Notify the Library of any criminal drug statute conviction for a violation occurring in the workplace no later than five (5) days after the date of that conviction. In that event, within thirty (30) days after receiving a notice of such a conviction, the Library will, and reserves the right to, immediately discharge an employee who is convicted of drug abuse violations occurring in the workplace.
Written forms are available from the Assistant Director for Library Operations to report convictions relating to workplace violations. In the event that an employee has knowledge of, but fails to report, such a conviction, the employee will be subject to disciplinary action.
Any employees having questions regarding the Library's statement of policy or any other items set forth in this Notice and Statement of Policy should contact the Assistant Director for Library Operations.