Recently, a UPS driver took to social media to shed light on the company’s policy regarding the attire drivers must wear during the summer. The driver revealed that to be permitted to wear shorts while on duty, they must first purchase socks adorned with the UPS logo.
This revelation has sparked a heated debate online, with many pointing to the recent wage increase that UPS drivers have received.
The Video that Started It All
On July 17, a UPS driver known as “Hey! That’s My UPS Guy!” shared a video where he explained the company’s policy about wearing shorts during the summer season.
According to him, before drivers can wear shorts on the job, they must first purchase socks with the UPS logo.
This is despite many of the company’s vehicles needing to be equipped with air conditioning. The video has garnered close to 813,000 views at the time of reporting, but not everyone seems to be sympathetic to the driver’s cause.
@heythatsmyupsguyWe must purchase and wear the UPS socks if we want to wear shorts. A previous contract concession before we were ALLOWED to wear shorts! This is why UPS drivers can be petty. lol♬ original sound – Hey! That’s My UPS Guy!
Public Reaction
The public’s reaction to the video has been mixed, with many criticizing the driver, especially in light of the recent agreement between the Teamsters Union and UPS, which resulted in a significant pay increase for drivers, approximately $42 an hour.
This agreement was reached shortly after the video was posted. Many users commented on the perceived high wage, with remarks such as “Bro you make $42 an hr. Cry me a River…..” and questions about the actual cost of the socks.
However, not all responses were negative. Some viewers pointed out that the main issue was being overlooked, with one stating,
“People definitely missed the point of this.”
The UPS driver responded to this comment, noting that some of the negative remarks came from individuals in the top 1% of income earners.
UPS Drivers’ Prospective Earnings
A recent announcement from UPS CEO Carol Tomé during an earnings call has stirred a mixture of anger and admiration among tech workers. The CEO revealed that under a new five-year contract with the Teamsters union, the average full-time UPS driver could earn about $170,000 annually, inclusive of benefits such as healthcare and pension.
This figure represents a significant boost, potentially making UPS driver salaries competitive with those in the tech sector.
The announcement has sparked a heated debate on social media platforms, with some tech workers feeling “underpaid” in comparison. They argue that engineers who create the technology for the trucks should be earning more due to their higher societal impact.
However, others have highlighted the strenuous and sometimes hazardous conditions UPS drivers work under, emphasizing the importance and difficulty of their roles.
UPS drivers earn an average of about $95,000 a year, with an additional $50,000 in benefits. In contrast, the median salary for an engineer in the US is approximately $103,845, with a base pay of about $91,958.
Despite the resentment from some quarters, many acknowledge the vital role UPS drivers play, often working long hours in extreme conditions, including during the holiday season, which is known for its grueling schedules.
The tentative agreement, which aims to prevent a potential strike in July, is yet to be officially approved by union members, with voting results expected to be announced later this month.
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Sources
- businessinsider.com/tech-workers-comments-170k-ups-driver-deal-anger-admiration-2023-8
This article was produced and syndicated by Viral Chatter.
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Martha A. Lavallie
Martha is a journalist with close to a decade of experience in uncovering and reporting on the most compelling stories of our time. Passionate about staying ahead of the curve, she specializes in shedding light on trending topics and captivating global narratives. Her insightful articles have garnered acclaim, making her a trusted voice in today's dynamic media landscape.
