United fined for failure to perform drug tests
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United Airlines faces a US$584,375 fine for allegedly failing to perform drug tests on workers in safety-sensitive areas. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) accused the airline of transferring 13 employees to safety-sensitive positions before it received the results of their drug and alcohol tests. The violations took place throughout the airline and included workers on the flight crew, maintenance and service teams, according to FAA spokesman Paul Turk. The FAA also cited United for allegedly failing to use a scientifically valid method to make sure that each member of the airline's flight crew had an equal chance of being selected for a random drug and alcohol test, Turk said. The agency said it had warned United twice in the past about the problems with the testing procedure. "Drug testing is both a critical and a required safety measure that all operators must follow," FAA Administrator Randy Babbittt said in a statement. In response to the fine, United Airlines issued a statement saying, "We are reviewing the letter and will cooperate fully with the FAA to resolve their concerns." Turk said the penalty was substantial but not among the highest issued by the agency. In 2009, for example, the FAA fined US Airways $5.4 million for operating several aircraft without performing required inspections and maintenance. |
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By David Wilkening |
David
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