M/W numbers boost Class I employment

Continuing a slow, steady rise, employment on U.S. Class I railroads reached 155,842, in mid-March, up 0.87% from February and a 4.42% improvement over March 2010. Train crew employment (transportation, train and engine) increased to 62,627, up 0.78% from February and up 7.47% from March 2010.

The only employment group that was down from February was transportation (other than train and engine), which declined 0.41% from February to 6,608, though its numbers were up 2.56% from March 2010.

A seasonal boost sent maintenance sent maintenance-of-way employment to 34,994 in March, up 2.03% from February and up 3.23% from March 2010.