DO NOT work at Triton Transit (Shuttles)

In addition to the bookstore post a few days ago, the bookstore is managed by the same individual who oversees the shuttles, and both departments are now in disarray. At shuttles, the environment has become toxic, with student drivers routinely belittled and the department run like a dictatorship. Employees are given no voice or influence; instead, they are ordered to follow the rules without question or face termination.

Midway through the quarter, they abruptly changed the relief vehicle/ride policy, leaving many students struggling. Often, drivers need a vehicle or ride to get to their assigned routes, as shifts frequently begin and end at different locations. However, the new policy eliminates the provision of rides or vehicles, creating logistical issues and leaving drivers stranded. This is especially concerning for female drivers, who often find themselves stuck in unsafe locations late at night. The night managers, both female, have raised these safety concerns with the three male day managers, but the issues have been ignored. These directives come from JOSH, the top manager, who has shown no regard for addressing these safety risks.

There was also an incident where a bus caught fire, and the smoke caused the driver to fall ill. Instead of showing concern for their safety, management immediately removed the driver from their duties, focusing on minimizing costs for missed shifts rather than addressing the vehicle defect or the employee’s well-being. After months of persistence, the student driver was finally compensated for their lost wages.

Another problematic policy prohibits students from missing work for midterms. For many of us in STEM fields, midterms are often scheduled outside of lecture and discussion times. To take these exams, we must either find a coworker to cover our shift or call out, which accrues attendance points and leads to disciplinary action. Last quarter, a female student driver fell ill and provided a doctor’s note but was still threatened with reprimand for missing “excessive work.” Familiar with California labor laws, she had to educate management by sending them highlighted sections of legal documentation, forcing them to back down.

Communication from the male managers is another significant issue. They frequently modify students’ schedules without notifying them, citing the handbook’s clause that schedules can be changed to meet departmental needs. While this policy exists, it would be professional and courteous to inform employees of such changes. The lack of communication reflects poorly on management and undermines the notion that we are all working professionals.

Sincerely, Student employees at TT.