Union Pacific Train Service

Question

I've been released to start class for train service with UP once i complete that if i find i don't get the hours i want can i pick up shifts from other employees who don't want to be there or who need time off

Answer 1

the only way you will have a set schedule on the railroad is to work the yard or a road switcher. I work the yard on the midnight shift, which I like because it's not as busy in our yard at night.

Answer 2

First, congratulations on getting hired, a lot of people try and dont.

I hate to sound facetious, but if you dont like the shifts assigned to you. . . . . you are going to have a very long or very short career.

That is what railroading is, nights, weekends, holidays, all the other shifts no one else wants.

In time you will have enough seniority to hold a regularly assigned job but for the first few years, it will be completely random.

You cannot pick up shifts form other employees, that is very closely governed by the crew office and your union agreements which are designed so that everyone gets treated equally.

Your career will consist of waiting to be called, say hello to your new spouse. .. . your cell phone.

Railroading tends to have a reasonably high turnover within the first 3 years of employement by people that decide the lack of structure just doenst work with them, after that, people tend to stay.

It is a harsh demanding stressful job at times, most of us stay because we enjoy it in spite of this.

Best of luck, it is not for everyone.

Answer 3

I do not think with a busy railroad like UP you will have to worry about not getting enough hours.Just think, work and breathe safety all the time.