Transit worker shortage ripples through California economy
Bus driver Brandi Donaldson describes the early days of the pandemic as living under a dark cloud.
Week after week, the 38-year-old AC Transit employee wondered when – not if – she would get infected with COVID-19 and bring it home to her husband, four kids and elderly parents. “It wasn’t until April of 2021 that the black cloud was finally removed,” she said, “and that was when I was able to get my second COVID vaccine shot.”
But now with the omicron surge, that dark cloud is back.
Transit agencies around the state are experiencing a worker shortage – and it’s disrupting service in Sacramento, the Bay Area and in Southern California because too many workers are out sick, quarantining or scared to come into work.
Every day, Donaldson says, at least one or two of her coworkers tests positive. And that means fewer drivers on the road – and more frustration among passengers.
Read more: https://calmatters.org/economy/labor/2022/01/transit-worker-shortage-california/