Pros
This used to be an exceptional job. Railroad jobs in general are trending down. Wages are down and healthcare costs have shot up. Expected to work 2nd or third shift with no added compensation. Will need 20+ years before you can be on first shift with either a Saturday or Sunday off. Want them both off on first shift? You’ll have to wait 25 years. Current management philosophy is screw the workers and give everything to stockholders. UP got 6 billion in taxes back, made 1.6 billion in the third quarter alone ( a new record), stock returns were up 43% and they laid off workers that they offered hiring bonuses to a year ago. If you can stomach working outdoors 70-80% of the time, not see your family and don’t mind shift work, railroad retirement is pretty good.
Cons
I would give 3 or 4 negative stars if I could.... This used to be an exceptional job. Railroad jobs in general are trending down. Wages are down and healthcare costs have shot up. Expected to work 2nd or third shift with no added compensation. Will need 20+ years before you can be on first shift with either a Saturday or Sunday off. Want them both off on first shift? You’ll have to wait 25 years. Current management philosophy is screw the workers and give everything to stockholders. UP got 6 billion in taxes back, made 1.6 billion in the third quarter alone ( a new record), stock returns were up 43% and they laid off workers that they offered hiring bonuses to a year ago.