Railroading secure good-paying jobs amid UP–NS merger

Railroading secure good-paying jobs sit at the center of how the U.S. freight system keeps the economy moving, as outlined by Union Pacific. Railroaders work 24/7 to move freight safely, supporting stocked shelves, running factories, and day-to-day life in communities.

This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

As Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern work to create what is described as America’s first transcontinental railroad — a deal also followed by Railway Supply — the article says growth from the combination supports a pledge characterized as unprecedented in railroad history. Under that jobs-for-life pledge for union employees, every worker who holds a union job at the time of the merger will continue to have one.

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Union Pacific–Norfolk Southern merger and union job protection

Union Pacific has formalized the commitment through jobs-for-life agreements with the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers – Transportation Division (SMART-TD), described as the nation’s largest rail labor organization; SMART-TD also provides details on the agreement. The same pledge is also tied to agreements with the National Conference of Firemen and Oilers (NCFO), the Brotherhood of Railway Carmen (BRC), the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers (IBB), and the United Supervisors Council of America (USCA).

Pay, benefits, and railroader compensation

The article presents rail careers as some of the best-paid industrial roles in the country. It states that railroader compensation ranges from $135,000 to $190,000, with an average of $160,000 — roughly 40% above the national industrial average. Railroaders are also described as receiving premium healthcare, paid leave, and robust retirement plans.

It adds that employees average more than 13 years of tenure, described as three times longer than the U.S. average. Retirement income is described as roughly twice that of the average Social Security recipient.

Benefits after the merger and Union Pacific University

Employees of the combined company are presented as gaining access to some of the best benefits of both companies. Union Pacific highlights Union Pacific University, the railroad’s free college tuition program, and says the opportunity is available across its 23-state network starting on an employee’s first day.

Additional benefits listed include free counseling and family-life services, company-supported employee assistance funds, and an employee stock purchase plan with a company match, giving workers a direct stake in the railroad’s success.

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