
                         THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
                 Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: TUESDAY, June 28, 1994                    TAG: 9406280317 
SECTION: LOCAL                     PAGE: B6    EDITION: FINAL  
SOURCE: ASSOCIATED PRESS 
DATELINE: 940628                                 LENGTH: WILLIAMSBURG

COLONIAL WILLIAMSBURG TESTS EMPLOYEES FOR DRUGS

{LEAD} The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation began random drug and alcohol testing of its employees Monday in a program that, by the end of 1996, will reach all of the tourist organization's 1,500 workers.

The foundation's hotel subsidiary and the Food and Beverage Workers Union Local 32 agreed in March to the tests. Hotel and restaurant workers received a 30-day notice but were not told where initial testing will take place this week, said John Raup, director of employee relations for the hotel division.

{REST} ``We're actually one of the last ones in the area to begin implementing such a program,'' Raup said. ``We are a family-oriented institution, and we felt it was important for us to be able to assure these families that it's safe to stay here.''

The testing of union and nonunion employees will be completed by Dec. 31, 1996, Raup said, and eventually will include all foundation employees, including archaeologists. Under terms of the testing policy, refusal to be tested will amount to a voluntary resignation.

``Ninety-five percent of the workers over there don't use drugs,'' said Minor Christian, president of the union local. ``It's just a small number that need help, and this program helps them.''

For years, Colonial Williamsburg has tested anyone suspected of arriving to work while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Christian said only two union workers have tested positive for alcohol in the past four years.

If a worker tests positive, a second test will confirm the results, and the employee will have a chance to explain whether prescription medications or other factors may have caused the result.

If drug or alcohol use is the cause, Colonial Williamsburg officials will be notified, and the worker has five days to enter a rehabilitation program or resign.

by CNB