Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: WEDNESDAY, May 17, 1995                   TAG: 9505170075
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: C-4   EDITION: METRO  
SOURCE: KIMBERLY D. DAVIS
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

SLANDER SUIT AGAINST UPS IS DISMISSED

Carl Richardson, a former Roanoke truck driver, had claimed UPS fired him in March 1994 because he spoke publicly against a new company policy that required drivers to lift packages weighing 150 pounds without assistance from other workers.

Richardson also claimed that UPS justified its decision to fire him by accusing him falsely of loafing on the job and falsifying records.

Richardson said statements about his work ethic caused him to suffer "humiliation, embarrassment ... and financial loss."

In its response, the Atlanta-based company said Richardson "was discharged solely on the fact that he extended his allowed breaks, falsified records and was dishonest."

In the decision, Judge Sam Wilson said there was no evidence to back up Richardson's claim of intentional infliction of emotional distress.

Memo: ***CORRECTION***