A federal court in Massachusetts dismissed the age and gender discrimination claims of a long-term employee who was fired after he refused to take a “reasonable suspicion” drug test. Tombeno v. FedEx Corporate Services, Inc., CV. No. 16-cv-40008-TSH (D. Mass. Jan. 9, 2018).

Tombeno worked for FedEx for 22 years as a Business Development Sales Executive. When hired, he signed an agreement permitting the Company to conduct drug and alcohol testing.  Tombeno and his supervisor sometimes drove together for business purposes.  On one occasion his supervisor approached Tombeno’s car and smelled marijuana.  The supervisor sought guidance from Human Resources and a few days later Tombeno was advised to report for drug testing.  He was told that if he refused he could be terminated.  Tombeno subsequently admitted that he was aware of that fact.  Despite knowing he could be terminated, Tombeno refused the drug test.  His employment was terminated.  He was 63 years old at that time.

Tombeno asserted that he was discriminated against due to his age because his replacement was younger and did not perform as well as he did. But the court held that there was no nexus between this assertion and the reason for his termination.

Tombeno also asserted that he was discriminated against due to his gender because his supervisor (a woman) terminated two other men. However, they were terminated for different reasons than Tombeno, and, he could not show any similarly-situated women who had been treated better.

Tombeno’s other claims also were dismissed.

Employers should ensure that their drug and alcohol policies contain language making it clear that refusals to submit to drug and alcohol testing will lead to termination.

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Photo of Kathryn J. Russo Kathryn J. Russo

Kathryn J. Russo is a principal in the Long Island, New York, office of Jackson Lewis P.C. She is a firm resource on the legal issues implicated in workplace drug and alcohol testing arising under federal, state and local laws, as well as…

Kathryn J. Russo is a principal in the Long Island, New York, office of Jackson Lewis P.C. She is a firm resource on the legal issues implicated in workplace drug and alcohol testing arising under federal, state and local laws, as well as substance abuse management and marijuana laws’ impact on employers.

Kathryn helps clients navigate workplace problems involving drugs and alcohol. She regularly works with corporate counsel and human resources executives to develop substance abuse policies to comply with federal drug and alcohol testing regulations (including all agencies of the U.S. Department of Transportation), as well as state and local drug and alcohol testing laws and marijuana laws in all 50 states. In addition, she defends employers in litigation where drug and alcohol test results are at issue, and frequently conducts “reasonable suspicion” training for employers in connection with their substance abuse policies. Kathryn also advises employers on leave and disability management issues arising when employees seek leave or other accommodations related to substance abuse rehabilitation.