Can be challenging, worth the headache - Freight Conductor CN Employee Review

4.0
Feb 26, 2016
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Great benefits, pension and pay.

Cons

The hours can be taxing, considering you are on call 24/7/365, getting time off is a real chore. There is a lot of pressure to get things done place, and there is a very negative attitude with staff especially the more senior staff. They seam to like to manage through fear, the threat of discipline is always on your mind. The only jobs I have heard of where most conductors/engineers purchase out of work insurance in the event of rules related suspension or dismissal.

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5.0
Apr 2, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Its what you make of it. Good union job with good benefits

Cons

You're always waiting on trains.

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CN Response
2mo
Thank you for your feedback and for your hard work. We pride ourselves on providing our team members with great benefits. We thank you for moving our business and the economy forward. Please share your thoughts with your manager and on your regular Interaction surveys.
4.0
Apr 13, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Pays decently well for first job out of college. My manager and team are very reasonable with expectations placed on new hires. Working after office hours (past 4:30pm) is extremely rare and only expected in emergencies.

Cons

Very slow and/or limited job growth potential. Promotions into middle management are almost purely based on reputation with middle managers who are largely people with previous field experience. This is very disadvantageous to direct-from-college hires like myself and even my current manager.

avatar
CN Response
2mo
Thank you for your feedback and for your hard work. We pride ourselves on providing our team members with great pay. With a 24/7/365 operation CN could not function without its dedicated employees. We thank you for moving our business and the economy forward. Remember to leverage your development plan to have career discussions with your leader and please share your thoughts on your regular Interaction surveys.
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