Wall Street investors aren’t the only ones backing up former Canadian Pacific CEO E. Hunter Harrison. Some CSX railroaders see positive outcomes from a Harrison-led railroad. In this week’s video blog, we share the comments of several railroaders about what they anticipate would happen if Harrison secures the top spot at CSX.
The general consensus? Management cutbacks, increased accountability, and better efficiency through consolidated operations and third party contract work. These veteran railroaders say Harrison’s background in day-to-day operations could be a good thing for CSX and that cutbacks in train service personnel, or the spinoffs of assets may not be his top priority if he lands the top spot at 500 Water Street.
"One thing about [Hunter Harrison], he started his career as a craft laborer and knows that segment of railroad operations..." a CSX engineer in Tennessee tells Trains.
While railroaders may understand that Harrison's interest in CSX makes sense financially, there is still some skepticism in wondering how far the rail industry veteran may go in implementing his precision railroading model if he becomes CEO. One railroader says he could target the closure of at least one hump yard in Ohio, while adding that in-house locomotive rebuild work could be shifted to third-part contractors.
What do you think? Be sure to check out a Friday, Feb. 24 News Wire story from Trains contributor Tishia Boggs who shares additional commentary from CSX railroaders.
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