Is my job safe?

Question

I started working for the Iowa, Chicago, and Eastern Railroad on August 20th. I'm currently a conductor in training, but then a week ago our railroad got bought out by the Canadian Pacific Railroad.

Is it true they can make us interview for our own jobs once this is all finalized? I'm worried.

Answer 1

Relax.  I am familiar with DME as I live a few miles from their main office and have been following them.  It's going to take several months for the deal to even be approved, and then a fe months for them to implement an operating plan.  By then you should have passed the conductor test.  The DME/ICE is very short of train crews and if they didn't need you they wouldn't have hired you.  They are still going to be running trains, and the loads aren't going to get smaller.  They need you.  It's the people in the office jobs that should be a little more worried, or those counting on the engine facility in Huron.

Kent in SD

Answer 2

Yes, when one company buys a smaller one, the employees can be asked to apply to work for the new company.

Answer 3

Yes they can make you re-interview for your job. But don't worry you were good enough to land the job once. A second time shouldn't be a problem.

Answer 4

Mmmm, no not normally but you are still on your "derail" or probationary period so there may not be the same level of protection.

Most acquisitions are closely regulated by the interstate commerce commission including worker protection.  

Ride it out, I am reasonably certain you will be ok, there is a lot of business in the US and Candaian railroad industry right now, they will be needing people.

Rumors, nasty rumors are part of railroading, most never come to pass. Relax, do your job as best you can and dont listen to the doomsdayers. You cant do much about it anyway.

If I listened to all the bad rumors I have heard over the years I would be chewing my leg off to get out of the trap.

Answer 5

Well stop worrying and be prepared for whatever comes along--thousands are losing jobs or working jobs they really don't want or like. If you have to take a hit--stand tall, get going and find a new job. If you have to interview--dress nice, sit up and show you have education and control of yourself. Speak up and answer the questions then thank the person. Conductors are in a responsible position--only sharp people get those jobs so be sharp and look sharp...just try your best. Maybe they have other jobs you can do for a while and work your way back up--that shows dignity and integrity---I think that should mean a lot to a company. Life is tough--so be tough and put your best foot forward. Relax,smile and good luck

Answer 6

Rango is right. "Ride it out". I think you are quite secure with your job - unless some very radical policy emerges. But I think this is unlikely. I work for the Minnesota Northern RR. I have very close connections with the old Soo Line trainmen. That line too was bought up by CP about 10 years ago. For those guys, the only thing that changed is the bank their paychecks are drawn from. I used to work for BN when it became BNSF.  And yes, the people in management did have to re-interview for their jobs at various times. But that was management, which is non union. Union people never had to worry about such things. Rumors on your railroad will circulate every day for a while. Only believe half of what you read, and nothing of what you hear. Wait for the official information that will come from an official source.