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Struggles in Finding Employment
LUFKIN — Ashli Streeter began truck driving school with dreams of hitting the open road and securing a lucrative job. The 27-year-old from Killeen borrowed $7,000 for her education and obtained her commercial driver’s license in May. Despite her efforts over several months to apply for jobs, she faced disappointment and confusion when she couldn’t secure a position.
Frustration and Discoveries
“I didn’t have anything hindering me,” Streeter expressed, noting she had no citations or DUIs. “I was puzzled as to why it was so difficult.” Many of her applications received similar replies. Potential employers required her to undergo several weeks of training with a seasoned driver, a usual industry practice. However, she was informed she could only train with a female trainer, leading her to a waiting list due to a lack of availability. Meanwhile, she watched newly graduated male drivers get hired immediately.
Unequal Treatment and Class Action
Frustrated with her situation, Streeter took to social media to share her experience. When other female drivers responded, she realized her challenges were not isolated; gender discrimination was more prevalent than she had imagined. Earlier this month, Streeter, alongside other female truck drivers, lodged a class-action discrimination complaint against Stevens Transport, a Texas-based trucking firm. Filed with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the complaint alleges Stevens’ same-gender training policy unjustly restricts women’s job opportunities and violates Title VII of the Civil Rights Act.
Company Response
Stevens Transport, one of the largest refrigerated trucking companies in the U.S., has denied the existence of a same-gender training policy. Company attorney Bruce Dean claimed they have a certification program that allows both male and female drivers to train individuals of any gender. He asserted that the complaint stems from a misunderstanding or from a policy that does not exist.
The Broader Context
More broadly, the trucking industry is experiencing a significant shortage of drivers, with around 78,000 positions currently unfilled, a number that could exceed 160,000 by 2031. Women constitute only 8% of drivers, highlighting a need for greater female representation in the field. Texas has the highest number of truck drivers in the nation, and opportunities are expected to grow as demand increases.
Steps Forward
Amid ongoing efforts to combat discriminatory hiring practices, some Texas employers are taking steps to encourage more female applicants. In July, Lamar State College Port Arthur opened a new commercial driver’s license training center, the largest in Texas, and has partnered with Bechtel Engineering to hire more women in trucking. Their initiatives have notably increased female participation in training programs.
The outcome of the complaint against Stevens is pending as the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission begins its investigation, which can last from six months to several years. The EEOC has stated it cannot comment on ongoing complaints.
