I was gainfully employed full-time as a Route Driver when I saw an opportunity from US Foodservice that would boost my income by roughly $10-12K per year. I applied for the USF job, was interviewed and offered a driving job two days later.
On my application and during the interview, I told USF that I had no prior CDL Class A driving experience — even though I do have a CDL Class A license. I was told, "Don't worry about that. We'll work with you." I took them at their word and accepted the job that was offered which meant tendering my resignation from a union job I had been at for almost five years that had good benefits and paid enough to meet my financial obligations.
My first day at USF was spent filling out forms. Then, Tuesday through Friday, I went on actual routes with other drivers. During that time, I asked to drive and tried hard to fit in, learn the ropes and generally be a good employee. On Friday, I spoke with the man who hired me (VP of operations, Alex) and he reassured me once again that they would work with me to get the Class A experience I needed to feel confident going solo.
The following Monday, a route supervisor and I went out together. He let me drive and assured me (AGAIN) that they would work with me until my driving was up to par by keeping me in the suburbs in areas I was already familiar with from my previous route job. I was starting to think USF was a pretty cool place and was very happy to have found the job.
SURPRISE! Tuesday morning, Day 7: I show up for work, 10 minutes early as usual, and am told by the same supervisor from Monday that USF "doesn't have time to work with me." That's it, I'm out, go home now.
Now there is even a question as to whether I will qualify for unemployment! Why??? I left a job to better myself and my family in good faith. I did not mis-represent myself or lie to USF about my experience: in fact, it was exactly the opposite. I went out of my way to explain that even though I had the license, I was not confident about driving Class A trucks. Every time that came up, I was told..."no worries."
How many people has USF done this to? This is my livelihood! I have a family to support. Dare I breathe the phrase, "Age discrimination?" I look younger than my years. Maybe once USF management realized my true age, they thought better of their hire decision? In any case, they are definitely guilty of a "BAD HIRING DECISION" that I am now paying for because they told me everything would work out... They would work with me, etc., etc., etc.
A pox on USF and their route supervisors / vp of operations in Bensenville! It is a small, round world. I hope they are served up a similar dish at some point in their lifetimes.
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