So this morning I was pulled into the office and told I had violated the terms of my SAP program and will likely be terminated. (Still waiting for official word) I have been in the random testing since February and since I entered the program have had no incidents and only clean tests. This weekend I drank on Sunday (off the clock obviously) I am also Tuesday through Saturday so wasn’t going to be working until Tuesday knowing drinking on Sunday would not show up on a test if I were to have a random. I made a few phone calls to coworkers who could tell I was drinking and were concerned for me therefore reported it to the center manager. Can they really fire me for drinking well off the clock and it having nothing to do with anything at work whatsoever? Thanks for your input in advance. I also realize I am in the program for a reason and shouldn’t be drinking in the first place however slip ups happen and I ask that you don’t give rude comments please.
I should also state I have contacted my union leadership and they feel it is not probable cause.
All SAP programs that I know about have a "zero tolerance for alcohol and drugs". In other words, you agree not to use any of those during the term of your program. If you have anything in your system while being tested, it is a failure and you are terminated. I have never heard of anyone getting their job back at that point.
Having said that, they would need a positive test or admission of drinking to terminate. IMHO. Did you tell them you had been drinking to anyone you contacted? That would still be a third party unless it is a boss.
You seem to be looking for a way out instead of acknowledging a problem. "Slip ups" do not happen to persons in a program without consequence. If your co workers were worried about your behavior on a phone call, there is probably a bigger issue. I am not being rude but it sounds like you need a more intense program.
would you admit to something they have no way of proving otherwise?
