Class I rail jobs decline 14,464 in year
Written by William C. Vantuono, Editor-in-ChiefU.S. Class I railroads cut 14,464 jobs between December 2008 and December 2009, with total employment dropping from 161,189 to 146,725, a decline of 8.97%, according to the Surface Transportation Board.
The biggest employment category, train operating crews, lost 8,149 jobs during the 12-month period, a drop of 12.54%.
All employment categories posted lower December 2009 numbers compared with a year ago:
* Executives, officials, and staff assistants: 9,063,-10.72%.
* Professional and administrative: 13,294, -1.98%.
* Maintenance of way and structures: 32,646, -6.60%.
* Maintenance of equipment and stores: 28,344, -7.89%.
* Transportation (other than train and engine): 6,545,-2.81%.
* Transportation (train and engine): 56,833, -12.54%.
