LPC chief executive Peter Davie recently said a new and improved policy – which addressed “holes” with the existing process – was ready to be introduced about six months ago, but claimed the union had been blocking the move.
“This has been a cause of concern as we are focused on introducing the new random drug testing quickly as we believe it supports an enhanced safety operating environment for all port users,” he said.
RMTU South Island Organiser John Kerr scoffed the claim and said “no responsible union would oppose such an initiative in such a safety-critical industry”.
Mr Kerr said his organisation had much experience on the issue and suggested in fact it had been awaiting LPC’s response to the communications last made in August.