In Aruba Civil Servants that have Positive Drug Tests … Only Run the Risk of being Dismissed

Isn’t this something, the Hyatt Hotel in Aruba may actually have a tougher drug policy pertaining to its employees than Aruba’s government toward civil servants. One can’t say that this comes as a surprise.

The High Court is indeed of the opinion that drug tests at work with the possibility of being dismissed, is an invasion on the right on protecting the personal private life.  But the importance of a good reputation of the hotel is more important.  

However, when it comes to Aruban civil servants testing positive for drugs, they only “run the risk of being dismissed”. One can only presume who that person is, knows and what their last name is makes the difference.

Justice-minister Rudy Croes (MEP) announced in March that also civil servants will be subjected to a mandatory drug test. Civil servants that are tested positive, run the risk of being dismissed.

Amigoe; Oct 12, 2007: Use of drug reason for dismissal

ORANJESTAD/DEN HAAG – An employee that uses drugs during his private time, may be dismissed on the spot, is a judgement of the Supreme Court as a result of a case, in which a waitress in the casino of the Hyatt Hotel in Aruba was using cocaine during her own time.  She tested positive during a routine urine test by order of the hotel.  The hotel offered her to follow a rehabilitation program and so avoid dismissal.  She refused, because she thought that this was stigmatizing and that she was not addicted to the drug. The High Court is indeed of the opinion that drug tests at work with the possibility of being dismissed, is an invasion on the right on protecting the personal private life.  But the importance of a good reputation of the hotel is more important.  Hyatt pursues a strict anti drug policy and the employees know this.  They are required to follow trainings.  When they were hired, they signed a statement that a positive result can lead to dismissal. In Aruba, mandatory drug tests for employees in the private sector are not unusual.  Justice-minister Rudy Croes (MEP) announced in March that also civil servants will be subjected to a mandatory drug test. Croes has been having this idea for five years already.  A law is in preparation for this and must be ready at the end of this year.  Civil servants that are tested positive, run the risk of being dismissed.  The government has already reacted very positive on the judgement of the High Court. With this verdict, the Personnel and Organization Department (DPO) can already start drawing up a policy proposal.  They are currently considering having new hires tested and have them sign a statement, like the Hyatt does.