First off, I try not to rip to shreds someone that is sincere. Only those that are total idiots, and we have seen some here.
Secondly, while I would not classify our center as rural or remote, we had to split our center to three not long ago. Total drivers in the center now is about 120 or so, with the others having 35 or 40 in theirs.
So while not a mega hub, not a small building either.
As to the conditions you mentioned, when getting help for either mental or physical problems, the fewer people involved the better. That has always been the case. More involvement seems to slow the productivity of the process in many cases.
As for the leaking of information, as long as you do not screw up and have a clean record, there is no way, if you have the seniority, that UPS because of any information can keep you from being a driver. You know that, I know that, UPS knows that. Short of having an accident or you are a real ass, becoming a driver is not all that mysterious. It is pretty much cut and dry. The fact you have emotional, mental or physical problems that are not obvious should/would not play a part in whether you make it or not.
As for information that is available to UPS, there is a ton of information to those that know how to glean it out on the web. Information on each one of us. Dont think that they use it do you?
As for issues, the driver that is going to trial over the death of his 2 year old has not been asked not to come to work. The management team and drivers have instead come to the drivers aid as much as possible with days off when needed and overtime when needed. His bills for a lawyer will be close to 50 grand for both he and his wife, up front for now. They go for trial the mid of December. But his wife has been told to say home from her job until the trial is over.
As I said, if I needed help, and the UPS program was available as the only way to get help, I would go in a heartbeat. Getting the help is what is important.
For all its faults, UPS understands that a driver or part timer with problems is a liability waiting for a place to happen. So in the long run, they come out ahead of the game by helping out.
Now, are the providers the best? I dont know. Only the person looking for help can make that determination.
But I think that for the most part, who ever reads the thread will have a fair look at the subject, with both sides represented, and should be able to make an intelligent choice.
Best
d