Endeavour won’t pursue further appeals on urine testing decision

Endeavour Energy’s decision not to pursue further appeals against the Fair Work Australia ruling on urine testing for its employees has been welcomed by several union groups.

Representatives from the power industry unions - the United Services Union (USU), Electrical Trades Union (ETU) and the Association of Professional Engineers, Scientists and Managers Australia (APESMA) - say the decision will impact other industries.

“The fact that Endeavour Energy have now ruled out any further appeals means that Fair Work Australia’s ruling on urine-based testing could set a precedent in other industries across Australia,” said Scott McNamara, USU Energy Manager.

“Fair Work Australia has now ruled against the use of urine-based testing on two occasions and now Endeavour Energy’s acceptance of that decision will echo across Australian industry,” McNamara said. “Other industries and unions are likely to review this decision and look at ways they can implement a more transparent, fair and reasonable testing regime in the form of oral swab testing.”

The Fire Brigade Employees Union (FBEU) is also pleased with Endeavour Energy’s decision, saying it will set a new standard for drug testing in Australian workplaces. The FBEU is in the process of negotiating with management on the same issue.

“The Endeavour Energy decision to see sense and accept the umpire’s ruling has transformational potential when it comes to development of a universal ‘Australian standard’ for testing,” said FBEU State Secretary Jim Casey.