Let Them Grow Beards: UPS Relaxes Rules On Drivers’ Facial Hair

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A UPS driver stops at a traffic light on April 24 in St. Louis. UPS employees are now allowed to grow their beards as the company loosens up on its appearance rules.

Jeff Roberson/AP

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Jeff Roberson/AP

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The road to eliminating these peculiar limitations was a long one. Some employees even started a petition, which gathered over 9,000 signatures.

«Many United Parcel Service drivers desire to have a beard, the petition said, «but it is strictly against the dress code because those in leadership positions at UPS believe that beards may be offensive to the public. Times have changed since the guidelines against facial hair were established. It’s the 21st century and it’s time for a change in the dress code!

In 2015, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission sued the shipping company for discriminating against employees who have to wear beards or hair below their collar for religious reasons. The EEOC also alleged that UPS did not hire or promote employees who failed to meet the appearance requirements. In 2018, the company paid $4.9 million to settle the lawsuit.

The Teamsters union, which represents UPS drivers and other employees, welcomed the new policy on employees’ appearance.

«We are very pleased about it. The union contested the previous guidelines as too strict numerous times over the years through the grievance/arbitration process and contract negotiations, the union said in a statement. «We have proposed neatly trimmed beards during several previous national negotiations.

The company’s fixation around appearances began with its founder James Casey, who was known for always wearing suits. The high expectations he had for himself were enforced on his employees.

Adedayo Akala is an intern on the NPR Business Desk.