Waukesha City HR committee updates drug‑ and alcohol‑free workplace policy, approves new resource list

The Waukesha City HR committee on May 20 updated its drug‑ and alcohol‑free workplace policy (G‑7), adding explicit alcohol references and refreshing contact information for employee assistance resources that staff said had changed since 1999.

Staff told the committee they incorporated language from the drug‑free workplace standard, added alcohol references because the prior policy omitted them, and updated resource phone numbers and contact methods. "This policy hadn't been updated since 1999," staff said, noting some listed resources had changed names or contact numbers.

Committee members discussed whether listing specific resources in policy text is wise because numbers and organizations can change. Several members said keeping a resource list helps employees who may not feel comfortable contacting a supervisor. Alderman Matthews asked whether disciplinary consequences are spelled out elsewhere in personnel policy; another member confirmed the city personnel policies outline disciplinary steps up to termination.

Alderman Christine, who identified herself as an employee of the State of Wisconsin Department of Transportation in the meeting, emphasized the importance of including reporting expectations for commercial drivers and similar roles, saying certain infractions must be reported to employers under federal rules.

Alderman Wells moved to approve the revised G‑7 policy; Alderman Christine seconded and the motion passed unanimously, 4–0. Staff said resource listings may continue to be maintained and updated as needed and that the policy's adoption will give employees clearer guidance and listed avenues for help.