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Freight Train Conductor
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<p>[quote user="CSSHEGEWISCH"]</p> <p>Right off the top, I don't think that it would be possible. Engineers and conductors are two different job classifications, with a different set of responsibilities. Also, it implies that all conductors would need to be licensed as engineers (legal requirement). Management would have to negotiate with each union (railroads are organized on a craft basis) to allow such a combined job classifications.</p> <p>The commercial pilot analogy is a poor one, since each pilot has to be fully qualified and licensed on the type of aircraft involved, regardless of which side of the cockpit he sits. [/quote]</p> <p>My perspective, admittedly that of an amateur, at least with respect to hands-on railroad experience, is that both persons in the cab would be fully qualified to operate the engine(s) and perform all other duties. The names of the positions might be changed to engineer and co-engineer, although I think driver and co-driver would be a better term. I suppose this bias stems from the years I spent in Australia, where the term driver is used. It is more descriptive than engineer, although changing the title would be difficult given its long history.</p> <p>Those who study job satisfaction have found that diversity of tasks helps relieve boredom, which I understand is a problem for trains crews on long runs, such as the run from Alpine to El Paso. Moreover, organizations that are allowed to employ creative staffing do better in the long run. And so too, according to the researchers, do the employees. If done correctly flexibility producers winners all around. </p> <p>Duties, pay practices, etc. would have to be re-designed. And inertia would have to be overcome. Doing it would be a challenge, i.e. most of us resist change whilst protesting that we are all for it. If my experience is any indicator, convincing the unions that there may be a better way is tough. I worked with unions most of my working life. Fortunately, our union leaders as well as management understood that we needed to work together for the betterment of the enterprise. And for the most part we did. </p> <p>One of my questions was not answered clearly. Is there a significant difference between the compensation (pay) package for an engineer and a conductor?</p> <p> </p>
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