Nucor Corp. v. South Carolina Department of Employment & Workforce

**What Happened** Nucor Corporation, a steel company, fired an employee after they failed a drug test. When the employee applied for unemployment benefits, Nucor challenged the claim, arguing the worker shouldn't receive benefits because they were terminated for drug use. The South Carolina Department of Employment & Workforce had to decide whether the employee qualified for unemployment compensation. **What the Court Decided** The South Carolina Supreme Court ruled in favor of the employee and against Nucor. The court found that the drug testing laboratory Nucor used was not properly certified under state law. Because the lab lacked proper certification, the positive drug test results could not be used as valid evidence. Without admissible proof of drug use, Nucor could not justify denying the employee unemployment benefits. **Why This Matters for Workers** This decision protects workers by requiring employers to follow proper procedures when conducting drug tests. If a company uses an uncertified laboratory, the test results may not hold up legally, even if they show drug use. Workers who are fired based on flawed drug testing procedures may still be eligible for unemployment benefits, providing crucial financial support while they search for new employment.