The Reno firefighters union has come forward with an offer to amend the department's negotiated drug and alcohol policy, proposing to drop the limits for a positive test to better match federal standards.

According to a draft policy change obtained by the Reno Gazette-Journal, the union would agree to lower the blood alcohol limit for a positive alcohol test to .04 percent from the current .08 percent limit. Limits for illegal drugs would be brought in line with federal standards for commercial driver's licenses.

The proposed change comes in the wake of a Reno Gazette-Journal investigation into the policy negotiated by the union and the city in 2002 that sets a positive alcohol test at .08 percent and illegal drug limits between two and five times the legal limit for driving.

Although city policy prohibits drug and alcohol use while on duty, a firefighter would not face any discipline unless a positive test was delivered to the city.

Reno Fire Fighters Local 731 offered the policy amendment during informal discussions with Council members Hillary Schieve and Oscar Delgado, who have tried to broker a compromise in what has become increasingly contentious contract negotiations.

"This is a good first step," Schieve said. "We told them, 'You guys have to clear this up.' They know it's important."

"Our objective was to reestablish a relationship with our employees, with the union," Delgado said. "The first thing we approached them with was a new drug and alcohol policy."

The proposed changes would have to be reviewed by the city manager, approved by the Reno City Council and formally approved by Local 731.

A Local 731 representative could not be reached immediately for comment.

Delgado said an initial review by city management was positive.

The current policy, which is geared toward rehabilitation, has a three-strikes provision, meaning a firefighter can't be terminated until he or she has three positive tests. Delgado said city management would like to see that dropped to a two-strikes provision, allowing termination upon a second positive test.

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