First off, there are trades made between the company and the union at panels. Basically, I agree to let this firing stand, but you bring back those other four with only suspensions. We will put on a show, but the deal is done. It happens all the time. Its called back room deals, and its great if you are on the good end of the deal, sucks when you are not.
It is also per the contract that in a serious accident, you can be terminated. Usually within a day or so, most terminations like this are overturned locally to a 1, 3, or 5 day suspension without pay. And it is back to normal. But for what ever reason, yours ended up differently. I would need to see a lot of documentation to understand why. And you have not posted enough details for that here.
We have had several accidents where drivers have been involved with several deaths, two with cyclists one of which the driver was not even in the truck, and one where relatives of a manger were driving without lights on a rainy night running from the police, and slammed into the side of a set of doubles that were accross the road, killing all in the car.
In each of these cases, even though the driver was originally fired, they got their jobs back, one with back pay.
One item that has not been brought out, and this is assuming what you have posted is the truth, as you have not filled in a lot of areas on this matter.
Since you stated that the guy was driving very recklessly, and you lost your job because of that wreck, you have been damaged. It would stand to reason that because of his reckless actions, you can sue his insurance to be compensated for your job loss, and any lost wages past, present and future. So if you indeed have exhausted your union options, you need to get a good lawyer. Perferably one with a good track record and part of a larger practice. And if UPS actually did charge you with gross negligence, and you had no culpability in the accident, UPS would also be a target for legal action.
Get some professional help. Soon.
d
