CEO's Unapproved Rules Spark Uproar at Central Alabama Water

0:00This is Birmingham News today, every story, every city, every day. The CEO of Central Alabama Water, water pushed through tough new employee rules without border approval, including random drug tests and zero tolerance for. Failures This hit their 600 workers hard back in January, with dozens fired on the spot or quitting to avoid testing. Board member Jarvis Patton called out CEO Jeffrey Thompson during a meeting, saying the board sets policy and these changes bypassed them completely. The utilities attorney agreed under pressure that the board holds that power and new rules need their okay. Thompson defended himself by pointing to a recent law giving him more authority and staff echoed that in employee meetings, claiming past leaders did, the same without board input. Still, Patton accused him of disrespecting the board. State representative Wandolin Jivan slammed the tests as unfair, especially since some firings involve legal medications and quick tests weren't as accurate as lab ones.

1:04She's demanding details on who was tested, fired and for what, but the utility has been answered. The long time employee association vanished from the new handbook, and its new president says he got fired for helping gather worker questions. The board plans to review everything at their next meeting on March 20th. We'd like to thank our sponsor for making this episode possible. Your favorite podcast, music or sleep sounds coming from your pillow, no earbuds, no distractions, just listen and relax. S-O-L-L-I-SoliPillow.com