The State - News from Jan. 20, 1987

Officials in Bakersfield said the city and a union representing about 450 workers have agreed on a limited drug testing program. A clause is included in a contract between the city and Local 700 of the Service Employees International Union that says department heads can require tests if they find “sufficient reason” to suspect that a worker is abusing drugs. Ken Pulkamp, an assistant city manager, said the contract defines sufficient reason as “having more evidence for than against testing or reasonable grounds for belief that a city worker has a drug-related problem.” The union, which represents employees ranging from secretaries to sanitation workers and road crews, has ratified the contract. The contract also includes provisions for rehabilitation of first-time offenders.