Dutch gov't drops plans to allow employers to test employees for drugs, alcohol at work

There will be no legislation for alcohol and drug testing in the workplace, State Secretary Jurgen Nobel (Social Affairs and Employment, VVD) wrote to parliament on Wednesday. These tests are currently only permitted for a few professions, such as pilots and engineers.

A few years ago, the employers’ organization VNO-NCW advocated for making alcohol and drug testing (AD testing) by employers legally possible. Trade union FNV was strongly opposed to the proposal. The Cabinet decided in 2020 that AD testing would be introduced for high-risk positions.

However, research requested by parliament last year showed that the safety problems caused by alcohol and drugs are minimal. Employers are also divided about the use of these tests, and there is no conclusive evidence that testing for alcohol and drugs results in safety gains.

The State Secretary has, therefore, decided to stop the legislative process. “Making AD testing legally possible is complex and has major consequences for people’s rights,” said Nobel.