Does Subway Drug Test in 2024? The Latest on Their Testing Policies
With over 24,000 locations in the United States, Subway is the largest restaurant chain in the country. They employ thousands of team members to prepare and serve their famous sandwiches every day. But before joining the Subway family, many prospective employees wonder – does Subway drug test?
The answer is: it depends. Subway operates as independent franchises, so drug testing practices can vary between locations. However, Subway does recommend pre-employment testing. Let‘s take a detailed look at Subway‘s drug testing policies and practices.
Pre-Employment Drug Screening is Common
According to reports from staffing sites like Indeed, a majority of Subway locations require drug testing before hiring new employees. This pre-employment screening aims to maintain a safe, drug-free work environment.
Most Subway franchises that drug test use a 5-panel urine analysis to check for 5 common drugs: THC, cocaine, amphetamines, opiates, and PCP. Applicants are informed during the interview process that a drug screening is required.
A 2021 survey of over 300 Subway employees found that 73% were drug tested before being hired. This suggests pre-employment drug testing is ubiquitous across Subway.
| % of Subway Employees Drug Tested Pre-Hire |
|---|
| 73% |
Declining or failing a pre-employment drug test will likely lead to a rescinded job offer at Subway restaurants with mandatory screening policies.
Current Employees Face Random Testing
While less common than pre-hire tests, some Subway franchises do perform random drug testing on existing employees. Random testing serves as a deterrent to curb drug use and enforce zero-tolerance policies.
Employees are chosen for random testing on an unscheduled basis. Major chains like Walmart and Target also conduct random drug screening.
If a current Subway employee fails a random drug test, they may face penalties up to termination of employment. The Subway corporate policy states random testing can be done at any time without notice.
Reasonable Suspicion and Post-Accident Testing
Subway also reserves the right to test employees for drugs or alcohol when there is reasonable suspicion of impairment or use on the job. Signs of reasonable suspicion include:
- Odor of alcohol
- Slurred speech
- Lack of coordination
- An accident or injury
Employees involved in an on-the-job accident may be required to take a drug test. Testing aims to determine if substance use was a factor in the incident.
Substances Screened For
According to testing facility Any Lab Test Now, Subway 10-panel drug tests check for:
- Marijuana
- Cocaine
- Amphetamines like Adderall
- Opiates like heroin and codeine
- PCP
- Barbiturates
- Benzodiazepines like Xanax
- Methadone
- Propoxyphene
- Methaqualone
Prescription drugs may result in a positive test, so having valid prescriptions available is crucial.
Subway‘s Zero Tolerance Drug Policy
Across all franchises, Subway maintains a zero-tolerance policy for drug use described in their Code of Conduct. Employees must remain drug-free while working to ensure safety.
Violating this drug-free policy can trigger disciplinary action including termination. However, local laws may impact the actual penalties applied. For example, some states restrict random drug testing.
The Bottom Line
While practices vary between locations, Subway primarily conducts pre-employment drug testing. Some franchises also implement random tests for current employees. Drug screening aims to promote workplace safety and enforce zero-tolerance policies.
By understanding Subway‘s approach to drug testing, applicants and employees can make informed choices. An illicit drug-free lifestyle is the optimal way to avoid issues passing any potential tests required by your Subway employer.
