Hi there my name is Geno if there is anyone out there that works for the Union Pacific railroad?

Question

Hi there my name is Geno if there is anyone out there that works for the Union Pacific railroad?

IM cut off for the second year in a row I only maid like 8k this year. IM trying to find out if this is a good carrier path. How are the benefits , and pay in the long run? Tanks [e-mail]

Answer 1

It's a seniority game, my friend.

Follow the work wherever you can.  I don't know what part of the country you're in, but it's hoppin' out west.

Its a matter of being able to hold on until you can work year round.  It is true that most everything around the railroad has changed over the years.  But "seniority works" is still the same.  But, in the long run, it's better that way.

Hang on and good luck.

Answer 2

Yes, there are about 36,000 that work for UPRR.

I currently work for Union Pacific.   I work in the mechanical department though, we fix the trains.

Retirement is excellent, beats social security by a long run, although you have to be 60 years old and have 30 years service with the railroads to retire.

Insurance is good, I paid $15 of the $16,000 hospital stay for my daughter.

Pay is decent, I usually make in mid 50s but I also have set hours  7am-3pm Monday through Fridays,  transportation makes more 55 to 125k a year but they put in the hours for it.

hiring is through UPRR.com

Answer 3

In a direct answer to your first question, not any more. I am still railroading but for a different company.

However the future of railroading in this country is looking good. Railroading is the most efficient way to move freight over land, each time diesel fuel goes up, it is harder for trucks to compete with railroads.

There are some clouds on the horizon labor-wise but that is always the case.

You will have a job, probably sooner than you think, the track departement is the most seasonal so if you in that dept you might want to think about transferring.

Operating department has huge seniority rosters, if you are able and willing to move, you can probably find work right now.

It is a good career path, benefits are very good, job conditions can be frustrating but generally speaking, it is a  good job if you can tolerate the odd hours.

Hang in there and Good Luck!