JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A laid-off Jacksonville Transportation Authority employee is speaking exclusively to Action News Jax. The former employee describes low morale and a breakdown in communication between frontline staff and upper management, as the agency moves forward with nearly 200 layoffs.
The former employee, a bus driver, asked us to hide their identity. They said current and former employees are nervous about speaking up.
“The morale is down,” the former driver said. “It’s no talking whatsoever.”
JTA announced earlier this month that it is laying off nearly 200 employees and cutting service to close a $39 million budget gap. Starting Nov. 2, most bus routes will see reduced hours or service, and the Skyway will stop carrying passengers. NAVI autonomous shuttle service is set to end Jan. 1.
“And that was it”
The former driver said they got a call on Friday, Sept. 18, telling them to contact their union representative. When they did, the union representative told them that day was their last.
The driver said severance came out to two weeks’ pay. They also said many co-workers made major life decisions to work for the agency.
“People relocated here, bought things, bought homes, chose JTA over another job site, and it’s no communication to these people,” the former driver said.
Workers fear they’re next
The latest cuts follow earlier rounds of layoffs. JTA cut 14 administrative positions in December and another 34 in February. In this round, 44 administrative employees are expected to be laid off, and as many as 150 operations employees could be affected.
The former driver said bus operators and maintenance workers who are still on the job are afraid they’re next. They said some employees are calling out of work because they don’t know whether it will be their last day.
JTA’s response
Action News Jax asked JTA how it is communicating layoffs to employees, what guidance managers have been given, and what support, if any, it is offering drivers who relocated for the job. A spokesperson directed us to the agency’s public records request email and did not answer our questions.
JTA leaders have told City Council members that, under a collective bargaining agreement, the agency has up to two years to potentially bring some laid-off employees back.
The former driver said they can’t file for unemployment until Oct. 5.
If the JTA layoffs have impacted you, we want to hear from you. Email Taylor.Stewart@actionnewsjax.com.
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