From Marcy Syman, Director of Human Resources
Last year, we hired more than 330 people at Metro Transit, the majority of whom were brought on as bus operators and other frontline staff.
But just as many people retired or left for other jobs. And our workforce needs will only increase in the coming years as we expand and improve the services we provide.
Many of our departments are already experiencing difficulties from being short-staffed and are understandably worried about how they’ll meet future needs as the competition for workers intensifies.
So, in Human Resources we will be putting a lot of our attention this year on recruiting, hiring, retaining, and promoting talented people who reflect the communities we serve and who are committed to our public mission.
While Human Resources will lead this work, it is not ours alone. I encourage all of you to support these efforts by sharing your experiences and career opportunities with your personal and professional networks.
Your support can help us make meaningful progress in several other priority areas as well. To provide just a few examples of how you can help:
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Get involved in the shared effort to build a respectful and inclusive work culture. In practice, this could mean providing feedback through the Great Workplace Project, joining or supporting an Employee Resource Group, mentoring a colleague, or becoming a representative on the Equity & Inclusion Team. Whatever it is you chose to do, please know your participation benefits our entire organization.
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Help staff understand and appreciate all the career pathways that exist at the Council. We are actively exploring several new programs that will help frontline staff access new opportunities in management and skilled trades. Even if you aren’t directly involved in these efforts, you can help by raising awareness of these programs and encouraging staff to participate. And if you want to build your career here, please take full advantage of these opportunities!
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Prioritizing employee wellness. We’ve all been through a lot over the past few years. And more changes are on the horizon as our workplace and our region recover and rebuild from the pandemic. All of us can preserve and enhance our wellbeing by participating in Council-sponsored wellness programs and by encouraging those around us to do the same.
Of course, the Human Resources workplan goes into much greater detail about the work we’re doing to improve in many other areas, including our internship, disability management, affirmative action, and racial equity training programs.
As a department and as an organization, we are also committed to sharing the results of all this work. In the coming weeks, please look for more information about a new tool you can use to track the progress we’re making in key areas like hiring.
Thank you for supporting us so we can support you, and in turn the region we’re all here to serve.
Watch the HR Connect newsletter for continued updates on all of these initiatives. Read this week's newsletter here.
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All employees are invited to participate in guided conversations that will help inform efforts to improve work culture.
- A total of 12 focus groups will be scheduled throughout March. Groups will meet both virtually and in-person, with COVID-19 protocols in place.
- Employees who participate will be paid their standard hourly wage for participating. Each session will last 90 minutes.
- Sessions will include six to ten people from different departments and be led by a consultant.
- Feedback will be summarized for leadership; employees will not be identified.
- Space is limited. If focus groups fill up, employees who cannot participate will be invited to complete an online survey.
- For more information, contact Sarah Berres.
Staff across the organization worked through a storm system that brought several inches of fresh snow, high winds and freezing temperatures to the region on Tuesday. Only a few buses got stuck out on the road and by late-afternoon buses were largely running on time. Next week's forecast: sunny and warmer. Spring is nigh.
The Black History Month Committee will host the finale of their two-part "Transit's Got Talent" event today, Friday, Feb. 25, as Black History Month draws to an end.
During today's event, attendees will have a chance to vote on the three finalists who submitted music videos -- South Dispatcher Theodis Turner, Train Operator Karl Obermeyer and Heywood Operator Tameka Alamir.
Joining the festivities will be Walter "Q Bear" Banks, Jr., above right, a longtime KMOJ DJ and operations manager.
Add this Teams event to your calendar using the link below.
Employees who ordered a "soulful dinner" to enjoy during the event. should pick it up at the Metro Transit Police & Office Facility between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
For more information, contact Black History Month Committee members Traci Williamson, Devona Love or Demetre Muhammad.
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Advancing Women in Transit (AWT) is hosting several events in March in celebration of Women's Month. All employees are invited to attend; each event will run from noon to 1 p.m.
- On Tuesday, March 8, International Women's Day, AWT will host a conversation about breaking the bias. Women who would like to share their story as part of this event are invited to contact Amanda Walker.
- On Tuesday, March 22, AWT will host a discussion about the history of women in transit.
- On Wednesday, March 30, AWT and Equity & Inclusion staff will partner with staff from LA Metro to host a panel discussion on gender policy in transit.
For more information on these events, contact AWT Chair Ruby Daniels.
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In 1991, when Taj Khan traveled alone to Moorhead, Minn., from New York, a fellow Pakistani student met him at the bus depot to bring him to college.
Thirty years later, he found himself transporting Afghani refugees as a bus operator for Metro Transit. The special trip from the MSP Airport to a hotel was provided earlier this month at the request of the Minnesota Department of Human Services.
Operators Floyd Seres, Terrence Brown, and Hector Espinoza also helped transport refugees.
“I know what it’s like to travel to a place where you don’t know anyone,” Khan said. “Somebody helped me.”
Growing up in Peshawar, Pakistan, near the border of Afghanistan, Khan learned a bit of Pashto at a young age from his nanny who watched him while his mother worked as a teacher. That experience helped welcome and translate for the refugees as they entered a new life in the United States.
“They’re still in a bit of shock given all they’ve gone through,” he said. “If I can assist, why not help?”
Khan didn’t originally plan to be a bus operator. After years of working in restaurant management, an experience helping his daughter with autism board a bus led him to become a school bus driver. “I wanted to give back and be a driver who helps kids and people with disabilities,” Khan said.
This experience eventually led him to Metro Transit, where he’s happy to help customers every day. "I get paid to do this,” he said. “Sometimes we forget how lucky we are.”
Operator at a Glance
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Hired: 2021
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Routes: Serves various routes as an extra-board operator
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Garage: South
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Family: One son and two daughters
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Lives: Minneapolis
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Hobbies: Gardening
Operator Lawrence Evans recently received a commendation for his onboard demeanor.
I had a wonderful driver. He was friendly, used the annunciator and told us the Nicollet Mall stop was closed. He happily gave directions to passengers (including me) and was all-around jolly in spirit. Since I was on my way to a doctor’s appointment and nervous, it was a nice treat to drive with such a kind person.
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Engineers Week (February 21-27) is dedicated to raising public awareness of the important role engineers play in our society.
Engineer Elliot Courtney and other Metro Transit engineers shared their thoughts on engineering's importance. Read more on the Riders' Almanac blog.
Why did you decide to become an engineer?
It was a natural fit with my interests and hobbies, I am very lucky to have ended up in the field I had set out to go into and had a natural interest in.
What is the best part about being an engineer?
The best part for me is feeling ownership of the project that you are involved in or leading. It makes the difference for me, to be a able to say “I was part of this”.
Why is engineering important to society?
Society as we know it would not exist without engineering, the society we are building for the future requires engineering.
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COVID-19: Local COVID-19 policies are changing as case counts continue to fall. However, the Met Council is not changing any policies or requirements related to COVID-19 at this time.
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Transit Driver Appreciation Day is March 18: Transit Driver Appreciation Day will be celebrated on Friday, March 18. Show your support by submitting a commendation, sending a card to a garage or riding transit and saying thank you.
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Feedback sought on Route 22: Metro Transit is asking for input on how to improve service on Route 22 as part of the Better Bus Routes program. The program combines service and facility improvements like consolidating bus stops, installing new shelters and simplified routes. Feedback is being collected through March 23 and changes would take effect in late August. Learn more here.
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