Rhodes v. Unemployment Comp. Bd. of Rev., Unpublished Decision (1-25-2000)

**What Happened** An employee of the Ohio Turnpike Commission was fired after failing three drug tests, which violated the employer's drug and alcohol policy. After being terminated, the employee applied for unemployment benefits. The Ohio Unemployment Compensation Board initially denied the benefits, saying the employee was fired for just cause. The employee challenged this decision in court, and a trial court sided with the employee, ordering that benefits be paid. **What the Court Decided** The appellate court overturned the trial court's decision and ruled in favor of the employer. The court found that failing three drug tests was indeed just cause for termination, meaning the employee was not entitled to unemployment benefits. The original denial of benefits was reinstated. **Why This Matters for Workers** This case shows that employees who are fired for violating workplace drug policies may not be eligible for unemployment benefits. If you're terminated for failing drug tests required by your employer's policy, you could be considered fired "for just cause," which typically disqualifies you from receiving unemployment compensation. Workers should be aware that workplace drug policy violations can have consequences beyond just losing your job.