Drug Testing... Do's and Don'ts


While I type this, I got a call from a member saying.. "Brother Gallardo I dropped dirty.. what do I do"

Well, i'll tell you, it's more common with CTA Workers than the public knows. 

Everyday we struggle with life kicking our asses, then you gotta maintain a level of professionalism at work, then gotta maintain their home life as well. 

Substance Abuse with a mix of Life sometimes gets us. Often times, I try and understand where they come from only because I remember when I used to work in a Substance Abuse Clinic where they would administer Methadone. I never looked at them any other way besides that they're sick and need help.  

Below is the scenario that in the event you're in this situation (Reasonable Suspicion for CTA Employees)

  • Please do not leave the designated testing area. Once you leave the test area, its considered a Positive Test result and you'll be OOS by the CTA. (Out of Service) 
  • If you're in New Hire Probation (CSA's), if Management suspects you to be under the influence, they have the right to terminate your employment if you drop dirty since you're in new hire probation and its a violation of your 5 months Probation. 
  • If you have a questionable medication and you get a positive drug test and its for Opioids, CTA will put you out of service until you fix your paperwork, so to avoid this all together, you have to notify CTA Leave Management and failure to do so will result in a Unfit for Duty notice. Trying to get your primary booked is a pain in the ass so to be safe please let Leave Management know. 
  • If you're out due to the medication situation, you'll be covered by CTA STD (Short Term Disability) benefits. For Local 308 Members its 200-250 a week until you're back at work up to 6 months.  

This is just a helpful guide for my Union Brothers and Sisters if they're in this situation. 


Comments

  1. Eric BasirMarch 28, 2026 at 4:52 PM

    Excellent article brother. Also we should not even walk outside to get air. Not even NEAR an exit.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AnonymousApril 2, 2026 at 4:55 PM

      Thank you for this message. I must say it fix an individual who hasn't failed perfectly.

      But for those who already fail and are going through the process, now you are too late with this information!
      Keep sharing though!

      As we say where I come from.

      Delete
  2. AnonymousApril 3, 2026 at 2:31 PM

    Thanks for posting

    ReplyDelete

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