Thanks bug. I should do the same.
It is amazing how different areas have different rules.
I deal with the NMUPSA, CRSA and the Ohio Rider.
Most Supplements and Riders have similar language, others do not.
But when the contracts expire, for the most part, everything is up for re-negotiation if either side wants something changed, including asking UPS to pay for socks.
Even if H did not negotiate them in the first place, he can, and could have, tried to include the socks in the language that UPS supplies the drivers uniform.
And yes, there are bigger issues than a $10 pair of socks, but they are required when wearing shorts and are not a generic item that one might wear away from work, like a white undershirt or a pair of gloves.