6 May 2015

Classing kava as a drug is discriminatory - union

After failing to consult with unions or community groups, the New Zealand Drug Detection Agency will begin testing workers for kava use says FIRST Union organiser Jerome Mika.

“Goodman Fielder has advised FIRST Union members at Quality Bakers in Dunedin that the New Zealand Drug Detection Agency will begin testing for kava”.

“But kava should not be classed as a drug” says Mika.

“Kava is part of Pacific cultures. Including it as a drug in work testing is inappropriate and discriminatory. Pasifika men, who are more than twice as likely to have used kava in their lifetime compared to the general population, will be disproportionately affected”.

“Classing kava as a drug will have a racist impact. It effectively means targeting Pasifika people. Pasifika people who use kava as part of their culture should not be classed as drug abusers” says Mika.

“Most people use kava as a drink, this means it’s regulated as a food under the Food Standards Code and the New Zealand Food (Supplemented Food) Standard 2010. When kava is used as a herbal remedy it’s covered under the Dietary Supplements Regulations” says Mika.

“FIRST Union will challenge any punitive action taken against workers who use kava”.

ENDS

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