Author Topic: Would You Urinate in a Cup?  (Read 66977 times)

oldtoyota

  • Magnum Stache
  • ******
  • Posts: 3179
Would You Urinate in a Cup?
« on: September 12, 2014, 12:57:25 PM »
I do not take illegal drugs--or even those recently made legal in many areas--and am insulted when a company wants my urine.

It's urine. Ew. That is my first experience of the company? Peeing in a cup?

Seems like a bad way to start a relationship. Anyone else feel the same way?

I don't mind if they want to see if I have bad credit and whatnot, but the urine thing is just gross.

Also, what am I to think of a person who can't tell if someone is a drug addict? I think it's fairly obvious to spot them...

charis

  • Magnum Stache
  • ******
  • Posts: 3161
Re: Would You Urinate in a Cup?
« Reply #1 on: September 12, 2014, 01:02:42 PM »
Functioning drug addicts are actually very difficult to spot unless you are trained in that area.  Many private and public employees are drug tested.  It's your decision whether to work for a company that does so.

seattlecyclone

  • Walrus Stache
  • *******
  • Posts: 7254
  • Age: 39
  • Location: Seattle, WA
    • My blog
Re: Would You Urinate in a Cup?
« Reply #2 on: September 12, 2014, 01:06:39 PM »
I have only been asked to do this once as part of a job interview, back in college when I was applying for internships. I complied, but ended up taking an offer from a different company for a variety of reasons. I do see such tests as degrading and dehumanizing. Given the number of companies in my industry that have no such requirement, asking me to pee in a cup would likely be a dealbreaker at this point in my career.

As to jezebel's point, why should a company even care whether or not one of their employees is a functioning drug addict? It's the non-functioning ones you should want to weed out, and this should be possible through less invasive means.

rujancified

  • Stubble
  • **
  • Posts: 195
  • Age: 45
  • Location: NC
Re: Would You Urinate in a Cup?
« Reply #3 on: September 12, 2014, 01:09:33 PM »
Salacious thread title! Agreed that it's gross. I had a job opportunity at age 18 that was $3-4 more per hour than my mall job. They asked us to take a lengthy survey where they asked 100+ questions about drug use, ethics, etc etc. I said I didn't do drugs (the truth). At the end they had a question about willingness to submit to a drug test and I said "Nope. You asked me over and over again about drug use and I answered honestly. I will not take a drug test as well."

One other thing that's always given me pause: Not that they're necessarily LOOKING for it, but couldn't they tell if you were pregnant or not from a urine test?

AH013

  • Bristles
  • ***
  • Posts: 272
Re: Would You Urinate in a Cup?
« Reply #4 on: September 12, 2014, 01:10:14 PM »
I feel like someone has watched one too many episodes of "Extreme Cheapskates" and has taken the advise as gospel...

Angie55

  • Guest
Re: Would You Urinate in a Cup?
« Reply #5 on: September 12, 2014, 01:10:52 PM »
I didn't realize there were still jobs where this isn't required. I do think it is awkward, gross, and sad that it is now commonplace. In my many jobs I have never had a job where I wasn't drug tested. Nearly all of my jobs were desk jobs. I have had a friend who got a minimal wage job which required driving a company vehicle and he wasn't drug tested. I thought that was strange...

oldtoyota

  • Magnum Stache
  • ******
  • Posts: 3179
Re: Would You Urinate in a Cup?
« Reply #6 on: September 12, 2014, 01:16:56 PM »
I feel like someone has watched one too many episodes of "Extreme Cheapskates" and has taken the advise as gospel...

I don't know what you mean. Can you explain? I am not familiar with Extreme Cheapskates.

Spork

  • Walrus Stache
  • *******
  • Posts: 5742
    • Spork In The Eye
Re: Would You Urinate in a Cup?
« Reply #7 on: September 12, 2014, 01:22:50 PM »
Short answer: I guess I would, because I have.  But, oldtoyota, I have the same icky feelings about it.  It feels like a guilty until proven innocent thing.

I've also known a handful of folks that do recreational drugs "responsibly". (I'm not sure if that's the right phrasing... What I mean is that it does not interfere with their job). 

frugaliknowit

  • Handlebar Stache
  • *****
  • Posts: 1686
Re: Would You Urinate in a Cup?
« Reply #8 on: September 12, 2014, 01:27:02 PM »
Employers have the upper hand, especially in this job market.  Yes, I would and have.  I DO think grass should be excluded from the screen, especially in states where it is 100% legal.  They don't screen for booze, do they?  A severe alcoholic can pass and someone who takes a few tokes might fail!

NoraLenderbee

  • Handlebar Stache
  • *****
  • Posts: 1254
Re: Would You Urinate in a Cup?
« Reply #9 on: September 12, 2014, 01:32:30 PM »
I had to do it for my last job. It didn't really bother me, except for the time that it took. I don't use recreational drugs. However, having to take it with all the rigmarole proved a good indicator of what working for the company would be like.

It does bother me that you can fail the test because you used drugs on the weekend, even if you never are impaired at work. Of course you don't want to hire someone who can't stay off cocaine or alcohol for a couple of days (or is so stupid as to show up for the test with it in their system.) But marijuana leaves traces in your system for a long time after the effects are completely gone.

Quote
Not that they're necessarily LOOKING for it, but couldn't they tell if you were pregnant or not from a urine test?

Drug tests look for certain specific indicators. A pregnancy test looks for different indicators. They don't have one single test that shows everything in your pee--you'd have to run both tests. Which they don't do because it costs more.

fa

  • Stubble
  • **
  • Posts: 233
Re: Would You Urinate in a Cup?
« Reply #10 on: September 12, 2014, 01:33:10 PM »

As to jezebel's point, why should a company even care whether or not one of their employees is a functioning drug addict? It's the non-functioning ones you should want to weed out, and this should be possible through less invasive means.

An addict is, well... addicted.  They are no longer in control.  I think functional in that context means "able to hide".  You probably mean a recreational user, who uses occasionally but it still in control of his use.

I don't understand why peeing in a cup is so gross.  My doctor wants a urine sample every time I go for a physilycal.  Such as to test for diabetes.  I thought this was a common practice, no?

Caoineag

  • Pencil Stache
  • ****
  • Posts: 663
  • Age: 42
  • Location: Michigan
    • My Journal
Re: Would You Urinate in a Cup?
« Reply #11 on: September 12, 2014, 01:35:53 PM »
Only if I understood the relevance to the job and really wanted to work there. I currently work in a field where drug screening is not common and would not work for any employer who does. That said, when I was younger, I did agree to a screening when I was applying to work as an assistant at a nursing home. Too easy access to drugs to hire drug addicts.

The big issue with drug screening is most drugs pass from your system quickly except for marijuana which lasts for a very long time. As I would consider cocaine and various other illegal drugs more concerning, I consider drug screening to be rather inefficient and inaccurate (i.e., better not like poppy seeds).

GuitarStv

  • Senior Mustachian
  • ********
  • Posts: 23048
  • Age: 42
  • Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Re: Would You Urinate in a Cup?
« Reply #12 on: September 12, 2014, 01:38:27 PM »
You're all looking at this the wrong way.  The existence of these tests are actually a boon.  As a drug free person I now have a new revenue *ahem* stream to tap into - selling clean urine!

Jellyfish

  • Stubble
  • **
  • Posts: 153
  • Age: 52
Re: Would You Urinate in a Cup?
« Reply #13 on: September 12, 2014, 01:40:11 PM »
How much do you value your "won't pee in a cup" principles? How much do you value this job opportunity?  How standard is drug testing in this particular industry?

I would personally pee in the cup and move on but that's just me.

Pigeon

  • Handlebar Stache
  • *****
  • Posts: 1298
Re: Would You Urinate in a Cup?
« Reply #14 on: September 12, 2014, 01:42:31 PM »
I also think drug testing should be illegal without cause.

guitar_stitch

  • Bristles
  • ***
  • Posts: 280
  • Age: 39
  • Location: Jacksonville, Florida
Re: Would You Urinate in a Cup?
« Reply #15 on: September 12, 2014, 01:44:19 PM »
I get tested regularly.  Due to my long hair, status as a musician, and the fact that routinely test clean, I am the perfect candidate for being tested because I break stereotypes and make their numbers look good.

It's not terrible walking down the hallway with a cup of coffee in one hand and a cup of piss in the other... so long as you do not confuse the two.

usmarine1975

  • Guest
Re: Would You Urinate in a Cup?
« Reply #16 on: September 12, 2014, 01:46:31 PM »
Military members are subject to pee test on a regular basis.  6 years in the Reserves with 2 deployments and I can't remember a full drilling period in which a pee test wasn't conducted.  Ironically one of my friends if you talked to him you would think he was high just by his demeanor but he never was.  Was randomly selected just about every time.  We always joked and carried on about the random part.  The part I didn't enjoy is that some of the watchers actually got into watching.  Yea wasn't so into that.

foobar

  • Pencil Stache
  • ****
  • Posts: 731
Re: Would You Urinate in a Cup?
« Reply #17 on: September 12, 2014, 01:47:30 PM »

As to jezebel's point, why should a company even care whether or not one of their employees is a functioning drug addict? It's the non-functioning ones you should want to weed out, and this should be possible through less invasive means.

Who is more likely to become a nonfunctioning addict. The function addict or the nonuser? In some jobs there is liability issues(i.e. if the bus drivers tox screen after an accident comes positive, do you want to be the company arguing that the driver wasn't on drugs and that they were from the party last night?) and security issues. Drug testing is a basic CYA move.


I am far more concerned with NDA and property ownership agreements than piss in a cup.

Shann106

  • 5 O'Clock Shadow
  • *
  • Posts: 14
  • Age: 51
  • Location: KY
Re: Would You Urinate in a Cup?
« Reply #18 on: September 12, 2014, 01:52:46 PM »
Salacious thread title! Agreed that it's gross. I had a job opportunity at age 18 that was $3-4 more per hour than my mall job. They asked us to take a lengthy survey where they asked 100+ questions about drug use, ethics, etc etc. I said I didn't do drugs (the truth). At the end they had a question about willingness to submit to a drug test and I said "Nope. You asked me over and over again about drug use and I answered honestly. I will not take a drug test as well."

One other thing that's always given me pause: Not that they're necessarily LOOKING for it, but couldn't they tell if you were pregnant or not from a urine test?

No, as an RN who is also a certified drug screen collector / trainer I can assure you that drug screens only test for a selected number of drugs, there is never a pregnancy test done, period.
It is common place for almost every industry I know to drug screen new employees. I have taken drug screens for every job I have ever had, even before I was a nurse, and I have collected thousands upon thousands of drug screens over the years. My opinion is that if that is the companies policy then that's the policy, if you want to work there you are required to follow policy, if you don't want to submit urine for a drug screen then they are free to not employee you. Many large companies have a policy where. Refusal to submit is viewed the same as a positive test.

EricL

  • Guest
Re: Would You Urinate in a Cup?
« Reply #19 on: September 12, 2014, 02:19:15 PM »
I peed in a cup for the Army for an entire career.  While I understood why I HATED it.  It was degrading and embarrassing.  Unless you're in a job field that entails a huge amount of responsibility or can pee comfortably in front of strangers it's totally unnecessary.

RyanAtTanagra

  • Handlebar Stache
  • *****
  • Posts: 1316
  • Location: Sierra Mountains
Re: Would You Urinate in a Cup?
« Reply #20 on: September 12, 2014, 02:24:41 PM »
I do see such tests as degrading and dehumanizing. Given the number of companies in my industry that have no such requirement, asking me to pee in a cup would likely be a dealbreaker at this point in my career.

This.  I've taken them before earlier in my career when I had less options and really wanted/needed the job, but now with having some FU money I don't think I would put up with it.  I work at a desk, it's beyond stupid and insulting.  So it basically depends on how much you want the job and how strict you are with your principles.

libertarian4321

  • Handlebar Stache
  • *****
  • Posts: 1395
Re: Would You Urinate in a Cup?
« Reply #21 on: September 12, 2014, 02:28:48 PM »
I peed in a cup for the Army for an entire career.  While I understood why I HATED it.  It was degrading and embarrassing.  Unless you're in a job field that entails a huge amount of responsibility or can pee comfortably in front of strangers it's totally unnecessary.

Agreed.

It's ridiculous (and expensive) to test everyone.

If someone is screwing up, or done something suspect, and his job would somehow be affected if he was a drug user, then go ahead and test him.

But routinely testing everyone is a waste of time and money.

Eric

  • Magnum Stache
  • ******
  • Posts: 4057
  • Location: On my bike
Re: Would You Urinate in a Cup?
« Reply #22 on: September 12, 2014, 02:34:13 PM »
In college I submitted to one that I was pretty sure I'd fail.  But hey, those things are expensive and fuck them for thinking that it's necessary.  I wanted to see what the results would be, but sadly it was only a pass/fail sort of thing.  A list would've been more interesting.

(note, not a current place I was working)

There's a 0% chance that I'd capitulate today.

DollarsAndDissonance

  • 5 O'Clock Shadow
  • *
  • Posts: 43
  • Location: Pacific Northwest, USA
Re: Would You Urinate in a Cup?
« Reply #23 on: September 12, 2014, 02:35:32 PM »
I think it's generally within an employer's rights to ask you to consent to drug or alcohol testing.  Breath alcohol testing makes sense to me.  It's a huge liability concern if someone operating large machinery or driving a delivery truck is intoxicated on the job.

As an employer, I find drug use information nearly irrelevant, especially in a professional context.  I think it's degrading, and some of the smartest, most effective professionals with whom I've worked have been heavy users of all sorts of stuff (marijuana, adderall, harder drugs...).

One of my good friends worked in the marketing department for a major (S&P 500-listed) U.S. company.  Before she started, they demanded not just urine, but a HAIR sample drug test, which apparently lets them test drug use for a much longer time period.  As a casual smoker, she spent a ton of time researching online and had her hair bleached and colored multiple times to basically totally destroy any trace of it.  She passed the test and was one of their best employees.

That's actually an interesting consideration from an employer's point of view: by mandating drug tests for all employees, you are actually substantially reducing the pool of high-potential people who might work for you.
« Last Edit: September 12, 2014, 02:37:26 PM by DollarsAndDissonance »

GetItRight

  • Pencil Stache
  • ****
  • Posts: 627
Re: Would You Urinate in a Cup?
« Reply #24 on: September 12, 2014, 02:44:29 PM »
I value ethics and integrity highly. I do not use recreational or prescription drugs and only very rarely use over the counter drugs. Not that drug use has anything to do with ethics or integrity, but my choice is not to use them.

I never have and would not take a drug test. It shows lack or trust without a reasonable cause and let's me know it would likely be a toxic work environment. I have turned down a couple entry level jobs when I was starting out when they requested a drug test. I suppose for enough money I'd do a urine test... Would have to be a lot of money though, like pretty well into six figures.

usmarine1975

  • Guest
Re: Would You Urinate in a Cup?
« Reply #25 on: September 12, 2014, 02:48:33 PM »
The interesting thing for my Unit was the guys that were using or smoking dope just went UA for the drill period if they were selected and took punishment for that and never had to complete the pee test.  It was a huge waste of time and money.

oldtoyota

  • Magnum Stache
  • ******
  • Posts: 3179
Re: Would You Urinate in a Cup?
« Reply #26 on: September 12, 2014, 03:05:39 PM »
I had to do it for my last job. It didn't really bother me, except for the time that it took. I don't use recreational drugs. However, having to take it with all the rigmarole proved a good indicator of what working for the company would be like.

It does bother me that you can fail the test because you used drugs on the weekend, even if you never are impaired at work. Of course you don't want to hire someone who can't stay off cocaine or alcohol for a couple of days (or is so stupid as to show up for the test with it in their system.) But marijuana leaves traces in your system for a long time after the effects are completely gone.

Quote
Not that they're necessarily LOOKING for it, but couldn't they tell if you were pregnant or not from a urine test?

Drug tests look for certain specific indicators. A pregnancy test looks for different indicators. They don't have one single test that shows everything in your pee--you'd have to run both tests. Which they don't do because it costs more.

What really bothered me about it was how I was treated. At the "pee center," they acted like I was going to cheat and like I was guilty.

Another time I took a test, the man was extremely rude to me but then got nicer when he found out we live in the same part of town (not the fancy part). The employer had actually told me I needed to come in to "fill out paperwork" before I started the job. I said I was going out of town and could it wait. They said it was vital. Eventually, I persuaded them it would be fine for me to fill out the paperwork when I started the job. I did not want to spend my own unpaid time filling out papers. When I started the job, an HR person greeted me in the front lobby with a slip of paper telling me I had a week to pee in a cup and then she ran away in embarrassment.

This happened at a large newspaper you all have heard of. It was gross. I could not get past the fact the HR person had lied to me about "paperwork." I used to love that paper and unsubscribed from them recently.



oldtoyota

  • Magnum Stache
  • ******
  • Posts: 3179
Re: Would You Urinate in a Cup?
« Reply #27 on: September 12, 2014, 03:06:49 PM »
You're all looking at this the wrong way.  The existence of these tests are actually a boon.  As a drug free person I now have a new revenue *ahem* stream to tap into - selling clean urine!

You have to come up with a way to keep it the right temperature.

oldtoyota

  • Magnum Stache
  • ******
  • Posts: 3179
Re: Would You Urinate in a Cup?
« Reply #28 on: September 12, 2014, 03:09:53 PM »
I value ethics and integrity highly. I do not use recreational or prescription drugs and only very rarely use over the counter drugs. Not that drug use has anything to do with ethics or integrity, but my choice is not to use them.

I never have and would not take a drug test. It shows lack or trust without a reasonable cause and let's me know it would likely be a toxic work environment. I have turned down a couple entry level jobs when I was starting out when they requested a drug test. I suppose for enough money I'd do a urine test... Would have to be a lot of money though, like pretty well into six figures.

It is interesting that so many of you say it's common to be tested. I've only been tested twice. Both places were completely messed up, so maybe there's a relation between wasting money on drug tests and not managing your company well…

seattlecyclone

  • Walrus Stache
  • *******
  • Posts: 7254
  • Age: 39
  • Location: Seattle, WA
    • My blog
Re: Would You Urinate in a Cup?
« Reply #29 on: September 12, 2014, 03:10:59 PM »
Salacious thread title! Agreed that it's gross. I had a job opportunity at age 18 that was $3-4 more per hour than my mall job. They asked us to take a lengthy survey where they asked 100+ questions about drug use, ethics, etc etc. I said I didn't do drugs (the truth). At the end they had a question about willingness to submit to a drug test and I said "Nope. You asked me over and over again about drug use and I answered honestly. I will not take a drug test as well."

One other thing that's always given me pause: Not that they're necessarily LOOKING for it, but couldn't they tell if you were pregnant or not from a urine test?

No, as an RN who is also a certified drug screen collector / trainer I can assure you that drug screens only test for a selected number of drugs, there is never a pregnancy test done, period.
It is common place for almost every industry I know to drug screen new employees. I have taken drug screens for every job I have ever had, even before I was a nurse, and I have collected thousands upon thousands of drug screens over the years. My opinion is that if that is the companies policy then that's the policy, if you want to work there you are required to follow policy, if you don't want to submit urine for a drug screen then they are free to not employee you. Many large companies have a policy where. Refusal to submit is viewed the same as a positive test.

I'm aware pretty much every company has a policy against drug use. Of course you don't want your employees intoxicated on the job. I have also worked at companies that reserve the right to require a test if they suspect you're intoxicated at work. Seems fair enough.

However, I see little justification for routine testing as part of the job interview process. It's a privacy matter. What someone does on their own time should be none of the employer's business. I like to read science fiction novels on the weekends. Other people like to smoke pot. To each their own. Neither of these activities has any relevance to a person's ability to perform their job during the week. Just as I wouldn't appreciate having a job interviewer take a look at my home bookshelf to make sure that nothing from company disallowed genres is present there, I wouldn't appreciate being asked to affirmatively prove there are no traces of disapproved drugs in my system in order to get a job.

Spork

  • Walrus Stache
  • *******
  • Posts: 5742
    • Spork In The Eye
Re: Would You Urinate in a Cup?
« Reply #30 on: September 12, 2014, 03:12:55 PM »
You're all looking at this the wrong way.  The existence of these tests are actually a boon.  As a drug free person I now have a new revenue *ahem* stream to tap into - selling clean urine!

You have to come up with a way to keep it the right temperature.

There are actually entire product lines dedicated to making this work in a convincing manner.  Google "whizzinator" for one example.   It is stored in a thin bag right next to the body to keep it at body temp.  (Never used it... don't need to...  but find it a little humorous.)

Eric

  • Magnum Stache
  • ******
  • Posts: 4057
  • Location: On my bike
Re: Would You Urinate in a Cup?
« Reply #31 on: September 12, 2014, 03:35:27 PM »
Reminds me of the Seinfeld episode -- (2 parts, 1:30 each)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fxI9yy8Fn2A

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NFqOSa7u0dA


isbjshaffer

  • 5 O'Clock Shadow
  • *
  • Posts: 46
  • Age: 34
  • Location: TN
  • Paying down 40k in Student Loans by 9/1/15!
    • Church of Acts
Re: Would You Urinate in a Cup?
« Reply #32 on: September 12, 2014, 03:51:36 PM »
I've had to pee in a cup for any legitimate job I've been offered and consent to a background check. I have nothing to hide and it's money out of their pocket. I also like the security of knowing that there won't be a bunch of drug addicts at my new workplace. 

Eric

  • Magnum Stache
  • ******
  • Posts: 4057
  • Location: On my bike
Re: Would You Urinate in a Cup?
« Reply #33 on: September 12, 2014, 03:53:25 PM »
I also like the security of knowing that there won't be a bunch of drug addicts at my new workplace.

How would you know that?  It was only a one time test, right?

Spartana

  • Guest
Re: Would You Urinate in a Cup?
« Reply #34 on: September 12, 2014, 04:05:43 PM »
Functioning drug addicts are actually very difficult to spot unless you are trained in that area.  Many private and public employees are drug tested.  It's your decision whether to work for a company that does so.
^ one +

Whether a drug addict or a drug user, there may be certain risks when it comes to dealing with money, property, info, safety, etc.. that your potential employer may feel are not safe to handle for someone who uses drugs. Whether due to negligence, theft or other reasons. There is no way to weed out a casual user from an abuser in many cases. The blood or urine test won't likely tell the difference. Plus MJ is still illegal at a federal level even though some states have legalized it, so if the company choses to follow federal guidelines, then any usage will not be allowed as a condition of employment.

As for myself, I had regularly required urine tests on my jobs as part of the job as well as for security clearances.  I never had an "ick!" moment. I generally went to a medical center bathroom to do my business (and yes, there was a female attendant more or less watching so no switchies). Of course I was active duty in the Coast Guard so  got direct contact with "the goods" during any drug interdiction. Guess it was their way of making sure we didn't partake (kept our noses clean ha ha) on that long slow ship ride back to a port when we were surrounded by a few tons of smokable or sniffable fun :-)!
« Last Edit: September 12, 2014, 04:21:49 PM by Spartana »

BlueMR2

  • Handlebar Stache
  • *****
  • Posts: 2313
Re: Would You Urinate in a Cup?
« Reply #35 on: September 12, 2014, 04:08:37 PM »
I do not take illegal drugs--or even those recently made legal in many areas--and am insulted when a company wants my urine.

It's urine. Ew. That is my first experience of the company? Peeing in a cup?

Seems like a bad way to start a relationship. Anyone else feel the same way?

I don't mind if they want to see if I have bad credit and whatnot, but the urine thing is just gross.

Also, what am I to think of a person who can't tell if someone is a drug addict? I think it's fairly obvious to spot them...

I have, when I returned to a company I had left a couple years before.  I also got pulled for a random there in the years I've been back.  It does have a very negative impact on employee trust and morale, but there are some industries where the risk from having someone on drugs is just too high to tolerate anymore (think heavy manufacturing).

It's also not as bad as some people think.  You don't have to whip it out or pop a squat right in front of people or anything.

That said though, if you can't tell someone is on drugs/they're high functioning, do you really care if they're on drugs?  There's an awful lot of non-drug users that are clumsy, negligent, and thieves...

DollarBill

  • Pencil Stache
  • ****
  • Posts: 897
  • Age: 49
  • Location: Austin TX
Re: Would You Urinate in a Cup?
« Reply #36 on: September 12, 2014, 05:08:46 PM »
Only on deployments...it's too far to the bathrooms when you wake up in the middle of the night (Military humor) :)

Emilyngh

  • Pencil Stache
  • ****
  • Posts: 901
Re: Would You Urinate in a Cup?
« Reply #37 on: September 12, 2014, 05:28:58 PM »
No, unless my current circumstances change dramatically and I'm desperate for the job to feed my family, it would be a deal breaker.

To me, it is a strong indication that the company does not respect my personal rights to privacy, does not assume that I'm good/innocent until shown otherwise, believes that our business agreement gives them the right to infringe on me as a person, and would be a very bad sign. 

 I have gotten so spoiled regarding autonomy at work that I would not react well to my company making rules about the hours I work (outside of times that are clearly required for meetings or other specific tasks), or what I wear, or a company that would take issue with me criticizing policies or even management.   

Considering that I'm used to working somewhere I expect to be able to wear what I want, come and go as I please, and tell my boss that her plans sound like a terrible idea, I can't imagine reacting well to have to pee in a cup. 
« Last Edit: September 12, 2014, 05:50:54 PM by Emilyngh »

JENRETIRE

  • 5 O'Clock Shadow
  • *
  • Posts: 19
Re: Would You Urinate in a Cup?
« Reply #38 on: September 12, 2014, 05:30:50 PM »
It surprises me how many people are offended by this, maybe because I've never had to do one, but it seems so minor, it definitely wouldn't be a deal breaker for me.

I do think in certain industries it's much more common. At my husband's business every new employee is screened, as well as anytime anyone is injured on the job and requires medical attention (large CNC machinery). I don't think any potential employee has ever declined. I should ask though, maybe I'm wrong :)

JENRETIRE

  • 5 O'Clock Shadow
  • *
  • Posts: 19
Re: Would You Urinate in a Cup?
« Reply #39 on: September 12, 2014, 05:41:31 PM »
I do not take illegal drugs--or even those recently made legal in many areas--and am insulted when a company wants my urine.

It's urine. Ew. That is my first experience of the company? Peeing in a cup?

Seems like a bad way to start a relationship. Anyone else feel the same way?

I don't mind if they want to see if I have bad credit and whatnot, but the urine thing is just gross.

Also, what am I to think of a person who can't tell if someone is a drug addict? I think it's fairly obvious to spot them...

I have, when I returned to a company I had left a couple years before.  I also got pulled for a random there in the years I've been back.  It does have a very negative impact on employee trust and morale, but there are some industries where the risk from having someone on drugs is just too high to tolerate anymore (think heavy manufacturing).

It's also not as bad as some people think.  You don't have to whip it out or pop a squat right in front of people or anything.

That said though, if you can't tell someone is on drugs/they're high functioning, do you really care if they're on drugs?  There's an awful lot of non-drug users that are clumsy, negligent, and thieves...

Until there is an accident. An employee on drugs or alcohol who is involved in an accident is going to open up a whole new can of worms.

seattlecyclone

  • Walrus Stache
  • *******
  • Posts: 7254
  • Age: 39
  • Location: Seattle, WA
    • My blog
Re: Would You Urinate in a Cup?
« Reply #40 on: September 12, 2014, 05:59:02 PM »
In addition to privacy, it's a matter of trust. I do not want to work in a place where management and employees cannot trust each other. I agree to follow company policies when I start a new job. Being asked to take a drug test without any reason to suspect I'm intoxicated is a major red flag, showing that mutual distrust is a major part of the company culture. No thanks.

Emilyngh

  • Pencil Stache
  • ****
  • Posts: 901
Re: Would You Urinate in a Cup?
« Reply #41 on: September 12, 2014, 06:00:17 PM »
It surprises me how many people are offended by this, maybe because I've never had to do one, but it seems so minor, it definitely wouldn't be a deal breaker for me.

I cannot wrap my mind around this; it all seems so egregious to me.  *Giving your employer a cup of your urine*,  so that they can *chemically test your urine*, because *they think it's their right to know what you might have put into your body* although there is *no evidence that any of it was imbibed while working or on their premises*. 

Simple Abundant Living

  • Pencil Stache
  • ****
  • Posts: 579
    • Simple Abundant Living
Re: Would You Urinate in a Cup?
« Reply #42 on: September 12, 2014, 06:02:53 PM »
I did to work in a hospital setting.  There were strict rules about purses and temperature, but I didn't have to pee in front of anyone.  I'm not sure if that's standard practice somewhere.  I didn't see anything wrong or offensive with it, and if I were a patient, I would want the people working around me to be clean and sober.

Interestingly now, I work at a pain clinic and we make our patients on controlled substances submit to random urine drug tests.  When they hired me, they didn't have me do one!  Just thinking about this made me realize how weird that is.  A lot of new patients (especially older patients) are offended by it, but it is part of our protocol and liability protection.  I just figure if you have nothing to hide, it's not a problem.  And yes, we do catch people trying to cheat the test.  I happen to live in a state that is like an island of non-legal THC use, surrounded by states that have legalized it.

DollarBill

  • Pencil Stache
  • ****
  • Posts: 897
  • Age: 49
  • Location: Austin TX
Re: Would You Urinate in a Cup?
« Reply #43 on: September 12, 2014, 06:13:34 PM »


I don't think they should test if someone is still productive. What could be the down side? Wake up you stoners! 

fantabulous

  • Bristles
  • ***
  • Posts: 286
    • My Crappy Little Blog
Re: Would You Urinate in a Cup?
« Reply #44 on: September 12, 2014, 06:44:09 PM »
It surprises me how many people are offended by this, maybe because I've never had to do one, but it seems so minor, it definitely wouldn't be a deal breaker for me.

I do think in certain industries it's much more common. At my husband's business every new employee is screened, as well as anytime anyone is injured on the job and requires medical attention (large CNC machinery). I don't think any potential employee has ever declined. I should ask though, maybe I'm wrong :)

It very much depends on the job/industry someone is in, as you stated. As a run of the mill IT worker (as in not working for a three letter organization or with particularly sensitive information) I'd submit to one in my current financial state, but start looking for another job immediately. A few years down the line with a healthy 'stache and FU money, I might poop in the cup and hand that in as my resignation letter. In my field especially, drug testing for the sake of drug testing indicates a toxic work environment. I realize this is from the perspective of, for lack of a better phrase, a special snowflake of an IT worker. I'd be totally fine with it* in other situations/fields where the need is clear, rather than being an indication of a company that's just going to be awful to work for.

*: Totally fine with the reason for it. All kinds of potential for offense if I have to be watched, since I'm trans.

DollarBill

  • Pencil Stache
  • ****
  • Posts: 897
  • Age: 49
  • Location: Austin TX
Re: Would You Urinate in a Cup?
« Reply #45 on: September 12, 2014, 06:51:24 PM »
It surprises me how many people are offended by this, maybe because I've never had to do one, but it seems so minor, it definitely wouldn't be a deal breaker for me.

I do think in certain industries it's much more common. At my husband's business every new employee is screened, as well as anytime anyone is injured on the job and requires medical attention (large CNC machinery). I don't think any potential employee has ever declined. I should ask though, maybe I'm wrong :)

It very much depends on the job/industry someone is in, as you stated. As a run of the mill IT worker (as in not working for a three letter organization or with particularly sensitive information) I'd submit to one in my current financial state, but start looking for another job immediately. A few years down the line with a healthy 'stache and FU money, I might poop in the cup and hand that in as my resignation letter. In my field especially, drug testing for the sake of drug testing indicates a toxic work environment. I realize this is from the perspective of, for lack of a better phrase, a special snowflake of an IT worker. I'd be totally fine with it* in other situations/fields where the need is clear, rather than being an indication of a company that's just going to be awful to work for.

*: Totally fine with the reason for it. All kinds of potential for offense if I have to be watched, since I'm trans.
That would make an epic FU story...lol

Emilyngh

  • Pencil Stache
  • ****
  • Posts: 901
Re: Would You Urinate in a Cup?
« Reply #46 on: September 12, 2014, 06:51:34 PM »
  I just figure if you have nothing to hide, it's not a problem. 


Zamboni

  • Magnum Stache
  • ******
  • Posts: 3879
Re: Would You Urinate in a Cup?
« Reply #47 on: September 12, 2014, 06:53:41 PM »
rofl at the poop in the cup idea! 

I think you are all missing the boat on a key point:  in cases like desk jobs, stock boy at your local grocery, etc., employers are primarily drug testing for health insurance premium reasons.  My brother owns a company and covering his employees is much cheaper if they all pass a drug test.  So there you go.

minkcar

  • 5 O'Clock Shadow
  • *
  • Posts: 8
Re: Would You Urinate in a Cup?
« Reply #48 on: September 12, 2014, 06:56:30 PM »
I work in a hospital. I don't find it particularly gross. There have been cases of surgeons and anesthesiologists on narcotics while operating, and patients have died. I'm completely okay with mandatory drug testing as a condition of employment. I'm even a bit surprised we don't have periodic testing.

I think it all comes down to how much risk is involved in the job.

Eric

  • Magnum Stache
  • ******
  • Posts: 4057
  • Location: On my bike
Re: Would You Urinate in a Cup?
« Reply #49 on: September 12, 2014, 08:08:49 PM »
I did to work in a hospital setting.  There were strict rules about purses and temperature, but I didn't have to pee in front of anyone.  I'm not sure if that's standard practice somewhere.  I didn't see anything wrong or offensive with it, and if I were a patient, I would want the people working around me to be clean and sober.

I think we all would.  The problem is that drug tests don't measure sobriety.

 

Wow, a phone plan for fifteen bucks!