UPS Likely to Appeal Ruling on Deaf Truck Drivers

Reuters reports that United Parcel Service may appeal a court decision that told the package-carrier it can’t ban deaf employees from taking jobs as truck drivers.

Last week, a federal judge ruled that UPS could not bar deaf drivers from driving small trucks. UPS had argued that deaf drivers have higher accident rates compared to employees who aren’t hearing impaired.

The federal government sets rules for large trucks–more than five tons. But for smaller vehicles, it’s up to the private sector to set its own rules. According to Reuters, “the plaintiffs’ lawyers estimate that about 1,000 UPS employees are deaf.” UPS has a total of 317,000 employees.

Among the related stories online: several case studies on fatigue management in the transportation industry, as well as more information on discrimination.