DRUG-FREE POLICIES FOR COMPANIES OUT

The Department of Labor and Employment has issued guidelines for the
implementation of drug-free workplace policies and programs for the private
sector.

Regine Cumba, officer-in-charge of the DOLE provincial office said it will
be mandatory to all private establishments with 10 or more workers to adopt
drug abuse prevention and control programs and policies against dangerous
drugs in the workplace.

He said these will be prepared jointly by management and labor
representatives and will be made an integral part of the company's
occupational safety and health-related workplace programs.

In organized establishments, the workplace policies and programs will be
included as part of the collective bargaining agreement, Cumba said.

He also said assistance in drawing up the policies and programs may be
sought from the tripartite task force through the occupational safety and
health center. The regional office of DOLE will serve as a local center in
their areas for providing information on RA 91625 and on the prevention and
control of drug abuse in the workplace, Cumba said.