Should I go work MOW for BNSF?

Question

I currently have a job I have been on for about 2 years with an airline. I make $11.35 an hour and get paid weekly. I have a preliminary offer to work as a Track Maintenance Worker for BNSF in my region. I have everything done except my physical which is tomorrow. I don't know what to do. Should I go work for BNSF? I am married (19 years) have 4 children 17, 18, 19 and 18 months. I need help. I cannot afford to get laid off because my wife does not make that much money. Please help what do I do???

Answer 1

17,18,19, then 18 months? How the h**l did that happen?

As for the MoW job, go for it. Railroad pay is good & your chance of getting laidoff is very slim. A lot of MoW work is seasonal, taking place in the summer when the weather is nice. Plus, seasonal MoW work is a great way to "get your foot in the door" for future railroad jobs, such as switchman or conductor. All I can say is be in shape. Track work can involve lots of physical work (railroad ties are very heavy).

Answer 2

Tough call Dude, I would say take the BNSF job, they are good paying jobs with excellent benefits. Also, if this fit isn't right, you would have a foot up for other RR jobs. They typically take transfers from other dept's first when job openings appear. I have railroaded since 1972 and still dont regret it. Whatever your choice, Good Luck!!!!

Answer 3

Take BNSF job. The airline industry is very cyclical and you will be among the first to go during the inevitable downturn. Railroads are only going to grow in importance as they can't be replaced by the internet.

Answer 4

It's hard work, you on call 24/7 in all kind of weather, you never know when you will get off work, it dirty. everything is heavy, and the safety rule make it hard to to your job. You may have to travel over night.

Pay is good, can bid on other job to advance yourself after training period.

You need to decide if that the way you want to work.

Answer 5

18 months?  What the h**l happened there?

But, I'd say go for it.........

In the not too distant past, layoffs were temporary but frequent, especially in train service.

But today, major carriers usually defer hiring until absolutely necessary, so I'd be willing to bet you'd have full time employment.  I can't remember the last time I knew anyone from any department who had been 'furloughed', as it's called.  But, as with most things in life, it is a gamble.

Even if a short furlough does occur, your seniority stands.  If you have an eye toward the operating department, getting on with MOW will give you a foot in the door for consideration as conductors are needed.  Next stop from there, the hot seat, as a locomotive engineer, and taking promotion is not optional.

"No guts, no glory," as the saying goes.

I wish you all the best...............

Answer 6

Railroads are in high demand now so you have little chance of getting laid off. Plus you should make more than $11.35 in maintenance of way. The hours may not be the best though.

Answer 7

Hey you'll have to work a little harder but from what some railroad friends of mine have told me .. you can't beat the insurance. and the pay is more than what your probably making now for sure.

I'd say take the railroad job just for the 18 month old you have. Plus probably less chance of a layoff with the railroad ... I'd say go for it! Jobs like that don't come along everyday!

Answer 8

Well, along with your pay, railroads typically pay excellent benefits and retirement (they historically have some of the best retirement of any industry).  Likewise, you can also work your way up to conductor and then to engineer (both of which pay far better than standard MOW) if you are perhaps interested in doing that sort of thing.  Both maintenance and conductor/engineer work keeps you away from your family for long hours (especially a conductor/engineer) but if you do not mind that than the pay is well worth it (MOW also is a bit more laborious than conductor/engineering).

In any event, the best of luck with your endeavors, whatever you decide to do!