Help and Opinions Needed RE: Driving

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rjcon88

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Hey guys! Here's my situation: As I have stated else where on the board I work at UPS with two other deaf guys on my shift, the three of us all have a common interest, we want to become drivers for the company. Keeping in mind that there are quite a few deaf and HoH drivers within the company nationwide. However, what the problem is our union doesn't want to fight for us to become drivers due to 'safety concerns', we are currently awaiting a decision from the union office wither or not to help us. We'll be having another ADA meeting in a few weeks, which should yield their decision.

My question for you is where could I get information regarding deaf and HoH drivers so I can walk into the meeting with an excellent argument if the union goes against us? Any help or opinions would be greatly appreciated! Thanks guys :D
 
rjcon88 said:
Hey guys! Here's my situation: As I have stated else where on the board I work at UPS with two other deaf guys on my shift, the three of us all have a common interest, we want to become drivers for the company. Keeping in mind that there are quite a few deaf and HoH drivers within the company nationwide. However, what the problem is our union doesn't want to fight for us to become drivers due to 'safety concerns', we are currently awaiting a decision from the union office wither or not to help us. We'll be having another ADA meeting in a few weeks, which should yield their decision.

My question for you is where could I get information regarding deaf and HoH drivers so I can walk into the meeting with an excellent argument if the union goes against us? Any help or opinions would be greatly appreciated! Thanks guys :D
Click to expand...

I don't know what you are looking for exactly but hope this helps:

Deaf Today v3.0: Deaf Talkabout: When it comes to driving ... the eyes have it

Also remind them that UPS can't ban deaf drivers because of the court case Bates v. UPS Inc., 04-17295. The link for that: Many people think Deaf people should not drive. « Fookem and Bug

Another link which explains it more: Bates v. United Parcel Service, Inc.

Fact sheet from the court: http://www.dralegal.org/downloads/cases/bates/FactSheetFinal.pdf

Another link: Bates v. UPS (9th Cir. October 10, 2006)

Hope this helps and good luck!
 
Byrdie has the info in there that I would post. It's difficult for deaf UPS employees to become a driver. UPS is adamant to their decision to so called "safety reason". I know UPS isn't the only one, as other companies such as FedEx, or such freight companies that won't allow deaf to drive. They require people to have good hearing to be able to operate a vehicle.

You could fight on for years, but it is very difficult to win this and to find a way around the loop.

Good luck!
 
Thanks Byrdie, I think that should about wrap up my argument :D

And I realize this may be a futile attempt I kinda feel like I gotta at least try :D
 
good luck guys, our thoughts and prayers are with you esp. in these times and economy.
 
if you can qualify the medical part of the cdl (commercial driver's licence) then they really shouldn't deny you to be a driver. if they do, just continue to be a commercial driver to expand your job capabilities. i have a cdl but havent applied to ups. far as i know, deaf people are usually more aware and alert of their surroundings than hearing people.
 
I've got a severe hearing loss, wear two hearing aids, have a Class A CDL AND I've driven: School bus, charter/motor coach; day cab truck; otr truck.

Deaf can do anything they want to. If you want a reference from me, feel free to pm me.
 
you can do that. there are deaf cars racers 9one is in SD). deaf people can do anything from driving mini-coopers to Ferrari to big trucks except being a taxi driver.
 
I think so complex to mail money expensive to FEDEX, UPS depend on the something really happen I think so difficult to explain to you I am opinon to many to people want to wait to long time because try better mail
 
OK guys, we had our meeting today and there still is no answer. Now we're being told that we have to contact this guy at the union office (apparently we were suppose to call him awhile ago) and talk to him about it. So for now, we have to wait.

Thanks guys :D
 
UPS says "Safety Reason" is a real BullCrap!

They're simply making excuses. I wouldn't take that well.

I was told by deaf friend who was a CDL driver, he said lot of Trucking Co don't want deafie to drive their Semi-Tractor for same reason. It have to do with insurance.. Company's insurance co charges twice time more if company hire deaf CDL driver. That's really dirty!!. He managed to get CDL through Kaw River Sand Co which is a small company. Eventually he got laid off year later. Then got a job at Omaha Paper Co. and worked there for few months then manager decide to lay him off because of insurance costing too much. He had argument with his boss and boss showed him the proof. Interesting.

As for you, consult with lawyer if you are willing to take risk.

Catty
 
rjcon88, Good luck to you guys and keep pushing. You pay your Union dues and your Union has a responsibility to represent you.

If you keep getting the run around perhaps the three of you could employ a lawyer to contact the Union officers about their failure to adequately represent their members. That may light a fire under their - uhmmm - rumps :)
 
Thanks everyone for your support and encouragement! I really appreciate it!

So heres an update for you guys (sorry its been a little over due, been real busy lately):

Contacted the union, Our union rep went and did everything he could... first answer from the company stated that it was out of their control and basicly said that is was the DOT that barred us from driving.

Second answer from the head of the union Package Handlers Division said that the company had no control over who could legally drive, it was ultimately the DOT however if we did go to our own doctors and got DOT certified there would be absolutely no reason to not allow us to drive.

So our next step is to go get our DOT cards!
 
Hi rj
Thank you for the update :)

However, we have more or less the same problem in France : profoundly deaf people can't legally drive professionally (ex : tracks). But in countries and states they are allowed to drive tracks, buses etc... I can think there are statistics without being told that I am crazy.
Could you please manage to find and give me these statistics ?


Thank you in advance for your help
 
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