A number of companies test their employees for drugs. It is common enough, and sometimes, a very necessary requirement. There are federal laws and state laws that have provisions for drug testing, and it should come as no surprise that employers can require those who work for them to pass a drug test.
With the rise in the legalization of medicinal and recreational marijuana, testing employees for drugs is something of a hot topic. But these drug tests do not just test for marijuana.
They cover amphetamines such as meth, ecstasy, cocaine, opiates such as codeine, morphine, and heroin, and PCP. Since the use of drugs can have a huge impact on the performance of an employee, several places have made drug tests mandatory.
Those who are applying for work at the popular chain convenience store, Circle K, may wonder if they shall be subjected to a drug test before they are employed. The answer to that question is fairly complicated.
Usually, entry-level positions don’t require you to pass a drug test, but there are instances where you might have to take one. In this article, we go over all the details about Circle K’s drug testing policies and try to answer any questions that you may have.
About the Company
Circle K Stores is a chain of convenience stores with a global reach. It was founded in 1951 in El Paso, Texas by Fred Hervey. Currently, it is owned by Alimentation Couche-Tard, a Canadian multinational, that acquired the company in 2003.
Circle K, being a chain, has a huge number of stores all over the world. As of 2020, it has 9,799 stores in North America, that are mostly located in the United States and Canada. It also has 2,380 stores in Europe, and another 2,697 stores spread out worldwide.
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Employee Drug Testing
Since Circle K is a chain store, the location of a particular store shall have a heavy influence on their recruitment policies.
There are Circle K stores all over the world, and the stores need to comply with the laws of the land they are located in. When it comes to Circle K stores located in the United States, they need to comply with federal laws as well as State laws.
Currently, the legal code of eighteen states has drug testing provisions. So, depending on your location and your employer, you can be required to undergo a drug test. Usually, companies can require an employee to pass a drug test before they can be offered a job.
Drug tests can also happen at random intervals, where a company can test their employees for illicit drugs. Depending upon the state in which you live or the employer for whom you work, you may be required to participate in mandated and/or random drug testing.
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Does Circle K Drug Test?
Circle K does not have anything pertaining to drug testing in its official manifesto. But that does not mean we can make any assumptions. After scouring through employee testimonials and comments, we have a very good idea about Circle K stores’ policy regarding drug testing.
Since there are several types of employee drug testing, we shall go over each one and elaborate on whether Circle K performs that particular kind of testing.
Drug Testing Pre-Employment – In many companies, an offer of employment is dependent on a drug test. It is a fairly common process used for screening. There are states with laws where drug tests cannot convey all the information to the employer, and it is important to be aware of what laws you are subjected to according to your location.
When it comes to Circle K, it seems that they do not test potential employees for drugs. Most of the entry-level, including stocking shelves, being a cashier, or greeting customers, may not require drug testing.
But those who are applying for a higher position, such as the manager or assistant manager, can be made to take one depending on the location.
Random Drug Testing – A company may conduct unannounced drug tests at any point in time. They may also choose to test random employees. Random drug tests are put in place to deter employees from drug use. Circle K, going by what its employees had to say, does not conduct random drug tests at its stores.
For-Cause Drug Testing – There can be times when an employee is suspected to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and the employer or company may ask them to submit to a for-cause drug test. Usually, for cause drug testing is conducted when an employee’s performance on the job is deteriorating.
If they are missing work or coming in late frequently, a drug test can determine if they have been under the influence of illicit substances. As far as we know, Circle K usually does not make its employees take for-cause drug tests.
Drug Testing After Accident – If an employee gets into an accident or gets injured while they are on the job, the company may test them for drug and alcohol use.
If they are found to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol while their accident occurred, they can be subjected to disciplinary action or can even be terminated. Circle K most likely tests for drugs after an accident or injury on site.
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Can an Employee Refuse to Take a Drug Test?
A company or an employer cannot force you to take a drug test. But refusing to take one can have its consequences. If the company wants you to take a drug test as part of their screening process, refusing to do so can result in them rescinding their job offer.
As an employee, you can be subjected to random, for-cause, or post-accident drug tests. Being unwilling to take one can mean demotion, suspension, or termination from your position.
If you have applied to Circle K, and they ask you to take a drug test, you may have to take it if you are interested in working there.
Usually, they do not conduct pre-employment or random drug tests, but they require one in case there is an accident on site. Therefore, it is advisable to not be under the influence of drugs or alcohol during your employment there.
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