City workers continuing to fail random alcohol tests

Atlanta city managers confirm to FOX 5 that many employees have failed alcohol tests given in the weeks following the death of a co-worker in an accident authorities have linked to drunk driving.

On Nov. 2, a city worker died after being ejected from a garbage truck that flipped multiple times on Interstate 75 at Cleveland Avenue

Authorities have charged the driver of the truck, Melvin Callahan, with homicide by vehicle in the first degree, DUI, reckless driving and failure to maintain lane.

Since the accident, city officials have stepped up random tests of workers. In recent days, FOX 5 has leaed that city workers failed alcohol tests at three of four locations

Gina Pagnotta-Murphy, president of the Professional Association of City Employees (PACE Atlanta), said that the union has handled complaints from workers indicating that they had drank alcohol the night before the tests.

For govement workers, anything above a .02 blood-alcohol level can warrant a termination.

Pagnotta-Murphy admitted that she's heard stories of supervisors drinking with subordinates.  She suggested that the supervisors also be tested.

Atlanta Human Resources Director Yvonne Cowser Yancy said that "drinking is not out of control in the city of Atlanta."  She said that the city has a strict enforcement policy.