Calling All Future Leaders

for COVID-19 may be unwilling to go to a lab or break social distance guidelines in order to submit a breathalyzer or urine sample. If this happens, it is a good idea for employers – even non-DOT companies – to refer to these well-thought out protocols to guide their response. Determining whether an employee refuses a test or simply leaves a collection site for valid reasons is always a tricky area for employers, and the pandemic only makes it more complicated. DOT’s guidance with respect to refusals, however, is substantially unchanged: “It is the employer’s responsibility to evaluate the circumstances of the employee’s refusal to test and determine whether or not the employee’s actions should be considered a refusal.” Keep in mind that staff who are laid off for a period of more than three weeks may be required to get a pre-employment DOT drug test when returning to work, as if they were a new hire.

Drug Testing Furloughed Employees

Employees who are put on furlough cannot be tested by the employer while they are not working. However, when employees are brought back after being furloughed for a month or month or more, they are often treated like new hires. Most companies, in fact, ensure that their employee reinstatment process includes all of the usual onboarding requirements, pre-employment drug testing among them. Everyone hopes that the economy returns to normal in a rapid fashion. Nevertheless, it is important that companies – and the people they hire – understand what is at stake. Despite the fact that vastly more people are working remotely and/or being furloughed or outright laid off, it is clear that one thing has not changed in corporate America: drug use is still not tolerated, and if you want a job, you are going to get tested. Jared Rosenthal is the Founder and CEO of Health Street.

Calling All Future Leaders: FTA 2.0 Class of 2021-2022

Applications and nominations for the 2021-2022 2.0 Leadership Class can be found on the FTA website and are due to Alix by February 15, 2021. The new class will be inducted into the program during our Spring Conference event. Questions? You can contact Stephanie, Ryan or Alix anytime.

The leadership class of the 2019-2020 FTA 2.0 was inducted into the group at the Fall Round-Up in Lake Mary in 2019. Since then, the group has gathered together socially and professionally, to hone their skills and knowledge to serve as future leaders of the trucking industry. The current class has participated in discussions and meetings on public policy, the economy, technology, politics and community engagement—led by giants in their respective fields. Co-chairs Stephanie Slivanik and Ryan Walpole, along with FTA leadership, made the decision to extend the leadership class’ term through the Spring of 2021, to ensure members continue to receive training and prepare their legacy project. In doing so, the 2019-2020/1 class has been convening via Zoom during the summer and fall. J.W. Taylor of Taylor & Associates led an animated discussion focused on legal issues the industry faces; Rep. Jayer Williamson, who represents the third district in the Florida Panhandle, shared his insights about workforce education and developing a talent pipeline; and soon, a PR 101/Media Training call with Anna Farrar, Senior Public Affairs and Communications Director for Converge GPS. So what’s next? We’re calling on all FTA member companies to take a look around: identify your future leaders and nominate them for the 2.0 Class of 2021-2022