PINE BLUFF, Ark. — Union Pacific is recalling furloughed workers to reopen its locomotive shop in Pine Bluff, Ark., the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reports.
UP spokesman Mike Jaixen told the newspaper that he did not have information on the number of workers being recalled, but noted that open positions in Pine Bluff include boilermakers, electricians, mechanics, and welders. A list is available at the UP jobs website.
The railroad announced closure of the Pine Bluff shop in February 2019 as part of layoffs that affected about 700 employees [see “Union Pacific announces another round of layoffs …,” Trains News Wire, Feb. 13, 2019].
Allison Thompson, CEO of the Economic Development Alliance of Jefferson County, which includes Pine Bluff, told the newspaper, “From a community perspective, we’re very excited.” Under the railroad’s move to principles of Precision Scheduled Railroading, she said, “Our company noticed a reduction in service. We heard a number of complaints.”
Another management failure. So what else id new? The UP is and has been a failing operation from any rational perspective for a while (the stock price that they fake upward through debt fueled buy backs is not an economically rational measure). The only thing they have going for them is a great franchise in their geographic placement, that and the impossible barrier to anyone else entering the market.
Not to be biblical but you shall reap what you sow. UP has sown discontent, discord, and disrespect towards its employees for years now, whether it be from train service, or the mechanical or engineering departments. PSR and the hunt for more happiness for shareholders has ripped the guts out of the four Cl(Ass) 1carriers with cutbacks, layoffs and unfair working conditions for those left working. It’s no surprise that furloughed employees choose to not return to these outfits that do not value their employees.
What does a “boilermaker” do in a diesel shop? (The task, not the drink!)
PLUMBING: There is a lot of piping in a loco.
Boilermaker’s function is metal fabrication. In a locomotive shop it would entail mostly repairs to frames, plows, handrails, fuel tanks, etc.
Anything requiring welding.
But the CEO will still be getting his performance based bonuses. And think he earned them..
An I would be willing to bet once they get a bunch of there stored locomotives back up and running they will be furloughed again. Everyone knows that the hedge funds will be pissed for hiring again and aren’t giving up any money.
Any business who does not realize their most important asset is their employees is doomed to failure.
UP tried to reopen the locomotive shop in Hinkle. Only about 25% of the staff wanted to come back. The other 75% said no or took other jobs.
These are all self-inflicted wounds; death by a thousand cuts, so to speak.
Amen.
A little late, but good news none the less. This should have reopened 6 months ago to get the engines ready for the current traffic loads that they were warned about.