The United Public Workers union and Kaua'i County officials have signed an agreement that will allow random alcohol and controlled-substance testing of blue-collar workers.

The agreement will permit the county to conduct "random and reasonable-suspicion" alcohol and drug testing of about 300 UPW workers on the island. Under a previous agreement between the union and county, only employees with commercial driver's licenses were subject to federal laws regarding drug testing.

In April 2007, nearly 95 percent of UPW's membership statewide voted in favor of implementing a drug-testing program. Each county was responsible for developing its own supplemental program.

Kaua'i County spokesman Gary Heu praised the union for its "willingness to help keep the county's work environment safe and drug free."

Dayton Nakanelua, UPW state director, said the agreement "reflects the concern of our members for workplace safety and helping those with alcohol and drug problems."

Training sessions are planned to inform employees about the provisions of the agreement and procedures that will be used in the program.