DRUG, ALCOHOL PROGRAMME SOON

A union-developed drug and alcohol programme will be in place at
Tapanui's Blue Mountain Lumber within a month.

The National Distribution Union initiated the programme - called "Not
At Work, Mate" - to help timber sector workers deal with drug problems.

A hidden camera was discovered in a toilet at the West Otago sawmill
two weeks ago, sparking outrage among Blue Mountain Lumber's 255 workers.

The camera was installed to catch employees using marijuana at work
but management denied it had been used and had it removed.

Blue Mountain Lumber mill manager Paul Adams met union officials
yesterday to discuss the initiative, developed in response to
industry-wide drug problems.

"It was very productive in terms of organising a programme that's been
talked about for a year," Mr Adams said.

"It will go ahead and should be up and running within a fortnight to a
month."

Mr Adams said he supported the union programme.

"Anything is worth trying to make the site safer," he
said.

"This is a dangerous environment."

When asked if there was a drug problem at the sawmill, he replied: "I
think there is."

Union wood sector Otago-Southland organiser Andrea Rushton met union
delegates on Tuesday night to discuss options over the hidden camera.

The union's legal team identified three avenues of action but Ms
Rushton refused to elaborate on those options yesterday.

"We're continuing to work through things with union delegates, our
membership and management," Ms Rushton said.