The railroad is not what it used to be, if thinking about working there, always ask to read the contract first

Question

You are all right, but work in the good jobs of the railroad, I have the only job in the railroad that was just made union and the union is absolutely c**p. We are not guarnteed 40 hours, we are not guarnteed anything at all. over time is anything over 40, not 8 like most RR jobs. We have no set schedules, we usually dont know if we are working until the day of. When work is done, we have to go home and dont get paid for 8 hours. The pay is really not that good, I make 19.57 an hour and I have looked at most other RR jobs, and they are less starting out. We also have to work 160 hours the month prior to a holiday to get holiday pay. And ofcourse we never get that because we never get an 80 hour pay check. Every paragraph in our contract says "at BNSF's discretion", whats the point in even having a contract. Our probation is 1 year, and we can be told to hit the road at any time during that year for no reason at all. When we are not there, contractors can do our job if needed.

Answer 1

I couldn't agree more with the first four guys. The railroads have been very good to me. It has put my two children through college, given me a good life, and I am right now enjoying my lake cabin sunset.

Answer 2

I think if you ask a human resources person to read the contract at the interview you just as well go home and forget it.

What part of the contract is so horrible?

You're right, nothing is what it used to be.

We actually have more vacation, better retirement and time off than before.

Answer 3

Rango is right on!!  You're crazy as h**l man!!  I challenge you to find anything better that doesnt require a college degree, special training etc....

Answer 4

Working for the railroad is no different than working for any other large corporation in America today.It is easier to get fired for a rule infraction than many other places.But if your doing what your supposed to be doing it's not a problem.As far as working conditions it's better than it used to be.As Rango pointed out if you ask to "read the contract"at a hiring session you'll get shown the door.I still like riding along on the train without having a boss hanging over your shoulder(most of the time).There's not many jobs that will let you call and lay off if you don't really feel like going either.All in all if i had it to do over again....i would.

Answer 5

Bearcat and Rango are right.  Not only does is the pay good but the retirement and other benefits are much better then most jobs.  An example...My dad retired with 42 years in and makes more per month then me off his retirement and pension.