I am a 20 year combo employee, air driver outside, sorter inside. My wife and I am going through some financially "challenging" times right now. We are in the middle of filing a bankruptcy in order to rearrange our debts and keep our house and property. Before everything is final with our chapter 13 my wages will probably be garnished for 2-3 months. I know legally I cannot be fired for having my wages garnished but is there anything UPS can do/will do as far as talking to me, changing my job, harrasment etc?
Thanks in advance for your replies.
ARTICLE 31. GARNISHMENTS
In the event of notice to the Employer that a court order has been issued
requiring the Employer to withhold a percentage of an employee�s wages to
satisfy a garnishment, the Employer may take disciplinary action if the
employee fails to satisfy such garnishment or wage assignment within a
seventy-two (72) hour period after notice to the employee that the Employer
is considering disciplinary action. However, the Employer may not discharge
any employee by reason of the fact that his/her earnings have been subjected
to garnishment or wage assignment for any one (1) indebtedness. An
employee may be suspended by reason of the fact that his/her earnings have
been subjected to garnishment or wage assignment for any one (1)
indebtedness, but any such suspension must be for a fixed, stated period of
time.
If the Employer is notified of three (3) garnishments or wage assignments for
more than one (1) debt, irrespective of whether satisfied by the employee
within a seventy-two (72) hour period, the employee may be subjected to
discipline. However, the employee may not be discharged upon notice of a
third (3rd) garnishment, under this provision, unless and until the Employer
has actually begun withholding the employee�s wages on a second (2nd) debt.
If the Employer has an established practice of discipline or discharge with a
fewer number of garnishments or wage assignments, or impending
garnishments or wage assignments, and if the employee fails to adjust the
matter within the seventy-two (72) hour period, such past practice shall be
applicable, provided it does not result in the discharge of an employee prior
to the actual withholding of the employee�s wages for a second (2nd) debt.
A garnishment for child support or alimony shall not be considered a debt
for purposes of discipline.
The Employer shall comply with federal, state and local law in enforcing the
provisions of this Article. Discipline or discharge pursuant to this Article
shall be reasonable and nondiscriminatory.
