Pros
Can't be outsourced overseas. Once you are "marked up" it is almost impossible to be terminated. If you liked trains as a child and dreamed of being a locomotive engineer, this is the job for you!
Cons
No life outside of work at least in your initial years... Do you have any friends? If so, you will find out who your REAL friends are, quickly. Initially, you will work an extra board for several years. You receive a 90 minute call to show up for work. 100% union environment. Union is weak. Company making record profits, having difficult time negotiating fair contract. No financial incentive to go "above and beyond". Jobs are based on seniority, not how competent you are at your job. Want a promotion? As a conductor you must accept MANDATORY promotion to Locomotive Engineer Trainee program. Fail LET, you're terminated.