The CEO of Birmingham’s regional water utility overstepped his authority when he implemented new rules that included random drug tests, mass firings and the elimination of the agency’s employee association, according to a board member and the utility’s attorney.
Central Alabama Water in January implemented a new handbook for its 600 workers that tightens its policies, including a zero-tolerance for negative drug tests.
The agency then surprised workers with mandatory testing that resulted in dozens being fired on the spot or choosing to resign rather than take the tests…