Georgia State shows apathy for Shuttle bus drivers

Currently, 28 Georgia State shuttle bus drivers are unaware as to if they will have a job within the next coming weeks. After a newspaper article was published highlighting five written complaints over a nine month period, Georgia State shuttle bus drivers have been under heavy scrutiny and surveillance. Although the few “bad apple” shuttle bus drivers have been penalized, and are no longer working at Georgia State, almost 30 other shuttle bus drivers are at risk of losing their jobs, and very livelihood.

Instead of renegotiating its contract with First Transit, the leading provider of bus transportation whom Georgia State’s bus drivers are currently employed under, Georgia State is putting its contact up for open bid. This means, that the lowest bidder, offering the cheapest price, will take over Georgia State’s shuttle bus services. But at what expense is this cheaper labor?

According to Sandra Stimpson, the Office manager for Teamsters, the union Georgia State shuttle bus drivers are currently represented by, Georgia State shuttle bus drivers currently start on an average wage of $11.50/hr, while most other bus companies pay their workers close to minimum wage. Cheaper labor isn’t necessarily better labor and the harsh reality is that when the new company steps in all of the current shuttle bus drivers can be fired with little to no warning which is exactly what happened to bus drivers at Georgia Tech in 2009. This is not just 28 shuttle bus drivers losing their jobs (not to mention managers, dispatchers, and other personnel), but people losing their livelihood with little to no regard at all.

One may wonder how does this fall on Georgia State, being that the shuttle bus drivers are not directly employed by the school. But, Georgia State must take responsibility for its structural relationship with First Transit as an employing entity. After all, it is Georgia State’s hesitation to renew the current contract that currently has its shuttle bus drivers in this current situation. Georgia State has means of resolving whatever issues it has with Frist Transit, which appear to be virtually few to none at all.

The consequence of hiring the lowest bidding company is not just 28 people losing their jobs, but harsh working conditions for the incoming shuttle bus drivers. Offering a lower contract means a reduction in labor costs, which ultimately equates to lower benefits, lower wages, and no voice for workers. First Transit allows its workers the right to unionize; many companies do not. And being that Georgia is a “Right to Work” state, who’s to say that workers won’t suffer intimidation, harassment and discrimination for trying to form a union and cohesive representation for their rights.

Overall, Georgia State has a role in what is happening to these shuttle bus drivers and its refusal to help the lives of these people, who have been loyal and dependable workers for the university, shows its inherent apathy for honest, working class people. A monetary amount of a bid should not be Georgia State’s only concern. Georgia State should concern itself with hiring ethical contractors, not just the cheapest contractors. Cheap labor comes at a price. Over 30 people losing their jobs, and overall livelihood should not be deemed acceptable, or not “Georgia State’s problem.” Many students have positive relationships with the current shuttle bus drivers. The shuttle bus drivers are not just workers behind a steering wheel, but are intricate parts of the Georgia State community. It is morally and ethically wrong to not consider the livelihood of these loyal workers in an effort to save a couple thousand dollars.

Workers like, Kathy Stafford, a proud, single mother, Teamster member, and shuttle bus driver, deserves to keep her job. But instead of Georgia State looking at the lives they are essentially effecting, it’s only concern seems to be pocket change in the bottom of the wallet of Georgia State’s seamlessly million dollar budget. Bottom line is the current shuttle bus drivers are providing good service and deserve the right to keep their jobs. With the economy already in the compromising state it’s in, one should be afforded the security and stability of knowing they have their job.