At Metro Transit, Operator James Bloodworth has found not only stability, but true job satisfaction.
“When riders say thank you, it really touches you,” he said. “I’ve hauled cargo, but hauling ‘precious cargo’ is more meaningful to me.”
Before finding stability, the former Louisianan spent years searching for his next job. Even with trade experience, steady work was hard to come by, and he often took side jobs to stay afloat.
“I did whatever I had to do to put food on the table,” James said.
That uncertainty eventually pushed his family to look for a safer, more reliable place to build a future. Minnesota quickly rose to the top of the list.
After relocating, he worked in parcel delivery, but the daily rate pay structure stretched his shifts from sunup to sundown.
“By the time I got home, I was exhausted,” James said.
So, when he saw an opening for Metro Transit bus operators, he applied immediately.
“I’ll never say no to paid training!” he said.
Once here, he found am environment that was far more supportive than anything he had experienced before. In Louisiana, James belonged to electrical and longshoreman unions, but even then, work wasn’t guaranteed. He sometimes drove hours only to be turned away.
“Down there, they could let you go for any reason,” he said. “Up here, unions are stronger. They fight for their people.”
The difference shows up in paychecks and peace of mind. “The benefits here are second to none,” James said. “Pay, pension, and medical.”
Now more than a year on the job, he’s confident he made the right move. The ongoing support, camaraderie, and appreciation keep him motivated every day. Instead of coming home drained, he returns feeling fulfilled and energized.
“This job honestly makes you feel good about yourself,” he said.