random urine test for drugs and alcohol

[deltadelta48]

(This was written by a Train Driver in England - What he says makes a lot of sense!)

I work, they pay me. I pay my taxes and the government distributes my taxes as it sees fit.

In order to earn my wages, I work as a Train Driver. I am required to pass a random urine test for drugs and alcohol, with which I have no problem.

What I do have a problem with is the distribution of my taxes to people who don't have to pass a urine test.

Shouldn't one have to pass a urine test to get unemployment benefit? Because I, and lots of other people have to pass one to earn it for them?

Please understand that I have no problem with helping people get back on their feet. I do on the other hand have a problem with helping someone sit on their a#se drinking beer and smoking drugs.

Could you imagine how much money the government would save if people had to pass a urine test to get a benefit cheque?

Hope you will pass it along though - because something has to change in
the UK and soon!

Definitely if someone drives a train (large and dangerous) they should have drug tests. If there is a sobriety question, those driving a car/truck should be tested too if they are stopped for erratic driving too. Public safety is the primary issue.

But if someone is on disability because of drug abuse and other problems, I guess we know what the tests will turn out to be! Why bother testing? Public safety does not seem to be an issue?

[IWIN2008UK]

Before you read this I would like to say I have no wish to offend anyone
My husband works away as a Safety Officer for a cruise line company, they have strict rules regarding alcohol and drugs...he can be tested at any time without prior notification...I would like to think that if you are reading this and thinking of going on a cruise that you would be pleased to know the man responsible for your safety if their was a fire or the ship was sinking was sober and drug free...I certainly would.
Therefore I can see why in certian jobs their would be a need for random testing and most people in these jobs would understand why.
My husband and I are fortunate enough to be in a posistion where we have to pay tax as we earn an income...we pay our taxes and are happy to do so as there may be a time when we are not working and I am happy in the knowledge that living in the Uk I could draw benefits and keep my family fed if the need arised....God forbid if I ever had to draw a disability benefit things would be bleak enough without having to be tested...there are people from all walks of life in this world and I feel we should not judge those unless we have walked in their shoes

[moonwitch]

But if someone is on disability because of drug abuse and other problems, I guess we know what the tests will turn out to be! Why bother testing? Public safety does not seem to be an issue?

I would guess there would be more of a problem with public safety if drug addicts were refused money.....when the drug addicts I know run out of money they mug people and some people have been seriously injured due to this.

[earthangel]

I'm not sure about the train driver "making sense". He/she apparently trusts the government to "distribute my taxes as it sees fit". Taxes are intended to be used to support and develop the infrastructure of society. That hasn't happened in many a long year. If ever.