COURT UPHOLDS DEPUTY'S DISMISSAL FOR DRUG USE

Washington County does not have to reinstate a sheriff's deputy who was
fired for using marijuana, the Oregon Court of Appeals ruled on Wednesday
in reversing an arbitrator and a state board.

The court said that Deputy Paul Cuff's dismissal in March 1999 violated his
union contract but that putting him back in his job would violate public
policy.

Cuff was fired after a drug test indicated marijuana use, which he
initially denied but later admitted, the court said.

The Washington County Police Officers' Association appealed, and an
arbitrator ruled that Cuff should be reinstated because the union contract
said first-time drug users would be referred to counseling, not disciplined.

The state Employment Appeals Board said the county committed an unfair
labor practice by not accepting the arbitrator's decision. The county then
took the case to the Court of Appeals.