1. Georgia State shows apathy for Shuttle bus drivers
By: Jaira Burke | Columnist
Posted: March 12, 2013
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 contract 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 detrimental 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.

2. 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.
Like this:
3 Responses for Georgia State shows apathy for Shuttle bus drivers
1. Koshi
March 14, 2013 at 11:08 am
Ms. Jaira Burke, this is a great column piece! I agree with you. It seems that GSU is only
concerned with how much money they making. It takes me no less than 15 minutes every day I
come to school to find a parking place, and my classrooms feels like we are stuff in there like
sardines in a can.
GSU could be a little more considerate with people. I know the business college gets practically
all the scholarships in the college, however business people are not the deepest thinkers in the
community and are responsible for out of control greed that has thrown the planet into this
Recession/Depression state.
GSU needs more enlighten input in the way they are handling people’s lives. Thanks for this
very compassionate column and I hope the powers that be reads it.
Reply

3. 2. Koshi
March 14, 2013 at 11:11 am
Ms. Jaira Burke, this is a great column piece! I agree with you. It seems that GSU is only
concerned with how much money they making. It takes me no less than 15 minutes every day I
come to school to find a parking place, and my classrooms feels like we are stuff in there like
sardines in a can.
GSU could be a little more considerate with people. I know the business college gets practically
all the scholarships in the college, however business people are not the deepest thinkers in the
community and are responsible for this out of control greed that has thrown the planet into this
Recession/Depression state.
GSU needs more enlighten input in the way they are handling people’s lives. Thanks for this
very compassionate column and I hope the powers that be reads it.
Reply
3. Kudos.
March 14, 2013 at 2:00 pm
Great to see a piece in the GSU newspaper that highlights the work and well being of campus
bus drivers. For GSU to grow as a community, the campus workers must be a key part of the
equation. This is Atlanta, GA and GSU is a vibrant and influential institution within our
community. The example that GSU sets around wages, benefits and working conditions impacts
other employers and workers throughout our city and state. I hope that GSU can set a strong
example that good stable jobs are a priority in our community.
And again, kudos to the author for highlighting the very real jobs on campus ! GSU’s role
matters.
- See more at: http://georgiastatesignal.com/georgia-state-shows-apathy-for-shuttle-bus-
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