woncbitten
Mesa,#2Consumer Comment
Thu, May 22, 2014
I couldn't believe your story almost matches mine to a "t". The recruiter promised Regional position but at orientation, they had me down for OTR. They wouldn't correct it, said they didn't have any regional positions open. That along with information on policies and fees I would have to pay (ex: Prepass), I decided SRT wasn't for me.
While waiting for my bus ticket back home, I received call from the MRO telling me I tested positive. I told him that was impossible because I do not use drugs. He said I could have split specimen tested but SRT would make me pay the fee of $180. I told him I would speak to SRT about it and advise. When I spoke with SRT and told them I wanted retested but could not afford the fee, I was told "Oh well". I had several SRT drivers tell me after that, out of every orientation 2 people will fail drug test. Quite a racket I'd say.
I researched FMCSA Title 49: Subpart H 40.173. The employer must ensure that the test takes place in a timely manner, even though this means they pay for it.
I returned home and accepted employment with another company. After doing background check, they called to tell me SRT was listed as previous employer. I told them I never worked for them and would call SRT to have them correct record. I spoke with Kathy Malone/Safety who said she couldn't find that I ever worked for them and would remove it.
A couple days before I was to attend orientation for new job, they called to tell me that Kathy Malone just sent fax to them telling them I tested positive for drugs. She sent this on her own without a signed release from me, which is a big "No No". I had to request my DAC Report to find out what was showing, filed a dispute and wait. SRT corrected employment part but that was all.
I called Kathy Malone and confronted her about releasing information about me without signed release-she said she would research and get back to me. She called back and said she did have a signed release-I told her that's not signed by me because I had the blank release in my possession. I told her I wanted a copy emailed to me so she transferred me to HR. Dina/HR said it has my "Electronic" signature and it's their property so if I want a copy, I would need to get a lawyer and have a subpeona.
Title 49: Subpart P 40.321 (b) "Specific written consent" means a statement signed by person that he or she agrees to a release of a particular piece of information to a particular, explicitly identified, person at that particular time. "Blanket releases" are prohibited under this part.
Even though I keep records of "Everything", this is going to be a battle but I am going to hire a lawyer. I haven't been able to get a driving job since, which is costly me dearly and WILL cost them. This company and their practices needs to be stopped.