Overall I have never felt so mistreated or disrespected by an employer. Actions are often beyond inappropriate for a work environment. Also I have never seen such a high turnover rate in a company. Here are a few examples of what to expect.
Scheduling is a nightmare. Shifts are handled in "bids"; besides a couple shifts that are created to meet the needs of the most senior drivers expect to dedicate your entire week to bus driving. Often sign on between 5-6 AM and sign off ~7PM. Sometimes you'll drive 2 hours, wait 7-8 hours and drive another 2 hours. You're only paid for driving time unless your off time is under a hour.
Benefits are a "bait and switch". Management will boast about the great coverage and cost. You can't review the benefits paperwork until you are eligible, and they offer a separate benefit package for drivers. The driver coverage is not affordable and doesn't meet the requirements of the affordable healthcare act.
Union representation is extremely poor. The local union representative is proud of failing his drivers. Besides the unaffordable benefits expect a pay cap of under $13hr. Currently the expected pay for a tenured (5+ year employee), and after predetermined cost of living increases is approximately $12.50 an hour. Besides cost of living there are no pay increases for employees beyond five years and it's locked into the contract so expect that wage for your entire career.
Union seniority makes using your paid time off or requesting unpaid time off almost impossible as everyone else is entitled to that time off before you. Additionally as lowest seniority expect not to have any life plans during operating hours. Lowest on the totem poll gets mandated to cover shifts. Have a wedding on your day off and expect to receive citation for not covering the mandated shift. Mandates have no minimum time of notice. Return from route at what you thought was the end of your day and you may be back on the road.
If it's not a "bold" safety item on a vehicle inspection do not expect a timely resolution. Issues such as no AC/heat for drivers or passengers are a regular occurrence. Some regularly reported issues persist for years. If you feel it's unsafe to operate a vehicle expect repercussions for marking it out of service.
