A press release sent by Groome Transportation today gives details about new employee benefits for transit drivers.
"After several issues were brought to the attention of Groome Transportation management, immediate changes are going to be implemented for the employees of the Auburn University shuttle," the release said.
Changes include an increase in paid time off, payment for overtime hours, a smaller payment for individual healthcare plans and an end of year bonus.
"Groome Transportation takes its relationship with its employees, and the community which it serves, very seriously," the press release said. "After the concerns of our employees were received, immediate changes to the operation at Auburn University were made."
Transit driver Cassandra Young said other changes were made as well, including Clarence Cobb being brought back as general manager and her suspension being dropped.
Young said she was thankful for God and those who supported Tiger Transit reforms, including Auburn City Councilman Arthur Dowdell, the College of Democrats and fellow transit driver Nettie Chambers.
The press release expressed appreciation for drivers and interim managers at Auburn for allowing changes to be implemented with minimal disruption to the Auburn community.
"Groome Transportation is only as good as its employees and our employees are our most valued resource," it said. "Groome offers its sincere apology for any inconvenience putting these changes into place may have caused. We look forward to moving forward and continuing our great relationship with Auburn University and the surrounding community."
Employees are mostly satisfied with the improvements, but Young said some have come to her with concerns about unpaid back pay for previous overtime hours.
Young said negotiations with Groome were productive and respectful, and she feels at peace now that a mutual appreciation is building between transit drivers and their employers.
"I'm pleased with the results, and I thank (Groome) for being a man of his word and taking this opportunity to talk to the drivers," Young said.
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