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Guys and Gals, I have read about the folks here going to conductor school and/or getting ready or wanting to work for a railroad. I fit that category as well, but am very confused. Everything I have read about the railroads...especially Union Pacific talks about how horrible the work hours and conditions are. That these rr workers dont get any days off and not even enlugh time to sleep. Is it really that bad? Or just on UP? I have read about so many derailments and wrecks blamed on operator fatigue and how investigations proved the railroad was driving their employees into the ground. What is the 100% honest truth? I have been told that because most of the current employees are age 55 and over they are just hanging on to make retirement so they have no choice. But what about us younger guys? If what they say is true, then either we will all mostly quit or they wont be able to find employees to be slaves? Or is it that the RR's are holdiong out as long as they can and will change once the current older employees leave? Whats the deal? Are we all just crazy or misinformed to pursue such a suppoedly "horrible slave like " career? Thx in advance?
MPALMER Member # 125
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I'm not an RR employee, but a friend of mine was. He worked for C&NW many years ago.
he did say he worked a lot of hours, could not always predict what days he would get off (could not plan family or friend get-togethers) but was paid very well.
Working 7 days a week got tiring so he did not stay with it for more than a year or so.
DMVW862 Member # 2703
posted
I have been employeed with the Dakota Missouri Valley and Western for just over a month now and I am enjoying it. I am with the mechanical department keeping our units going. I was an over the road truck driver before I got on with these fine people. Yes the hours can be long at times even in the shop but I still enjoy it. I am home most every night. We aren't real big yet but we are trying to get bigger. Here is the web site:
dmvwrr.com
Our train crews haven't complained about the hours on our line. They work twelve hours then usually have twelve hour off before they report back. During the harvest season I would imagine they will be working more hours with in the law.
Ed
sd40-2fan Member # 2710
posted
quote:Originally posted by VinUnleaded: Guys and Gals, I have read about the folks here going to conductor school and/or getting ready or wanting to work for a railroad. I fit that category as well, but am very confused. Everything I have read about the railroads...especially Union Pacific talks about how horrible the work hours and conditions are. That these rr workers dont get any days off and not even enlugh time to sleep. Is it really that bad? Or just on UP? I have read about so many derailments and wrecks blamed on operator fatigue and how investigations proved the railroad was driving their employees into the ground. What is the 100% honest truth? I have been told that because most of the current employees are age 55 and over they are just hanging on to make retirement so they have no choice. But what about us younger guys? If what they say is true, then either we will all mostly quit or they wont be able to find employees to be slaves? Or is it that the RR's are holdiong out as long as they can and will change once the current older employees leave? Whats the deal? Are we all just crazy or misinformed to pursue such a suppoedly "horrible slave like " career? Thx in advance?
Don't even think about "days off"! Most extra boards are regulated to tightly that you will be working 7+ days a week on the UP. If you want any time off you had better apply for federal "Family Leave". For a new hire the pay scale is not that good. On a road assignment, new hires may not go on overtime until after 11hours 45 ,minutes and get only 70% of a basic day. Be advised that the Federal hours of service act does not provide sufficient rest between shifts. 8 hours rest does not include a 2hour call, commute time to and from the job, and whatever time is spent cleaning up ect. I hope the other class 1's don't treat their employees the way UP does
sd40-2fan Member # 2710
posted
quote:Originally posted by VinUnleaded: Guys and Gals, I have read about the folks here going to conductor school and/or getting ready or wanting to work for a railroad. I fit that category as well, but am very confused. Everything I have read about the railroads...especially Union Pacific talks about how horrible the work hours and conditions are. That these rr workers dont get any days off and not even enlugh time to sleep. Is it really that bad? Or just on UP? I have read about so many derailments and wrecks blamed on operator fatigue and how investigations proved the railroad was driving their employees into the ground. What is the 100% honest truth? I have been told that because most of the current employees are age 55 and over they are just hanging on to make retirement so they have no choice. But what about us younger guys? If what they say is true, then either we will all mostly quit or they wont be able to find employees to be slaves? Or is it that the RR's are holdiong out as long as they can and will change once the current older employees leave? Whats the deal? Are we all just crazy or misinformed to pursue such a suppoedly "horrible slave like " career? Thx in advance?
Don't even think about "days off"! Most extra boards are regulated to tightly that you will be working 7+ days a week on the UP. If you want any time off you had better apply for federal "Family Leave". For a new hire the pay scale is not that good. On a road assignment, new hires may not go on overtime until after 11hours 45 ,minutes and get only 70% of a basic day. Be advised that the Federal hours of service act does not provide sufficient rest between shifts. 8 hours rest does not include a 2hour call, commute time to and from the job, and whatever time is spent cleaning up ect. I hope the other class 1's don't treat their employees the way UP does
VinUnleaded Member # 2702
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Geez, sounds like UP sucks. Wish I still lived in S. Dakota as teh Dakota Missouri Valley and Western RR sounds awesome.
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