Cocaine, public employee, policy and procedure, random testing, due process, return to duty testing, union issues, chain of custody.

Charles Sterling, a former employee of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority, files suit against the agency. Sterling contends the authority's drug testing policy violates constitutionally protected rights. Sterling posted a positive result for cocaine in a random drug test. He participated in a treatment program, but posted a positive result in a return-to-duty drug test. Sterling's union filed a grievance on his behalf, but he resigned his position before the grievance process was complete. Sterling filed suit against the authority. The authority responded with a motion for summary judgment.

This is the first judicial review of this case.

Sterling loses. The United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania ruled that the transit authority adhered to a clearly articulated policy against drugs in the workplace. The court granted the transit authority's motion for summary judgment and dismissed the case.