working

[aoklittlebuddy]

if pot is legalized by the feds ? how will that affect my piss tested union construction job ? will i be able to smoke again ?

[bigdopehead]

It depends...

The federal government could legalize pot, but it could also stay illegal in certain states. The vast majority of people buste for weed are prosecuted under state law, pot offenders tried in federal court likely fall into one of a few separate categories (say possession at an airport, international smuggling, getting caught by the DEA, FBI, or some other federal agency, or a number of other uncommon circumstances)...

Check the wording of your union agreement...specifically the part concerning drug tests. For example, it might say something about testing for illegal drugs. Obviously if pot is legal, you would be in the clear. The union has the right to forbid you from smoking weed, even if it is made legal, just like Olympic athletes can be forbidden from taking medicine. That said, if your agreement specifically bans marijuana and it is legalized, I would assume that would indicate a more widespread acceptance of marijuana use, and the union would probably eventually amend its bylaws...

I hope this is helpful...

[HappyKitty]

Legal or not, if you are injured or there is an accident on the job you will definately be tested. I haven't known any construction job where being under the influence of any drug is acceptable or will be.
In your case, it's a safety issue.

My ex was a union ironworker for 25 years. I wouldn't want him to raise a crane stoned, drunk, in a bad mood, or otherwise. And he was tested many times on the job for an accident that didn't involve him.

One day they'll use a test where marijuana users are not discriminated against for what they do in their own home. Marijuana use a week ago shouldn't have anything to do with performance on the job today.