BaltACD The CSX 'plant rationalization' program during the 80's & 90's was rather agrssive and in addition to pruing unproductive branch lines also eliminated a number of Main Lines. The rationalization affected a great number of now former employees; former employees don't speak of their former employer in glowing terms. Couple that to Senior Managements pessimissim for the continued viability of railroads as profitable transportation mode and a lot of bad attitudes were generated. Making John Snow Chairman brought the bottom of the barrel in view - Snow was a politician at heart, not a railroader, not a businessman, not a financier - everything done was done for political effect, not for the continued benefit of the railroad as a ongoing business concern. When Snow was made Secretary of the Treasury by President Bush and extracted $70 Million from CSX as a 'severance package' employee disgust ramped up exponentially. Michael Ward had a large disfunctional organization on his plate when he became Chairman, succeeding John Snow. From my viewpoint he has been doing an admirable job of fixing deferred maintenance and building the physical plant to meet the growing transportation needs for a growing US population - all the while increasing shareholder value. I have seen more plant improvements in the past 10 years than I saw in the 38 years of my experience that preceeded them.
The CSX 'plant rationalization' program during the 80's & 90's was rather agrssive and in addition to pruing unproductive branch lines also eliminated a number of Main Lines. The rationalization affected a great number of now former employees; former employees don't speak of their former employer in glowing terms. Couple that to Senior Managements pessimissim for the continued viability of railroads as profitable transportation mode and a lot of bad attitudes were generated.
Making John Snow Chairman brought the bottom of the barrel in view - Snow was a politician at heart, not a railroader, not a businessman, not a financier - everything done was done for political effect, not for the continued benefit of the railroad as a ongoing business concern. When Snow was made Secretary of the Treasury by President Bush and extracted $70 Million from CSX as a 'severance package' employee disgust ramped up exponentially.
Michael Ward had a large disfunctional organization on his plate when he became Chairman, succeeding John Snow. From my viewpoint he has been doing an admirable job of fixing deferred maintenance and building the physical plant to meet the growing transportation needs for a growing US population - all the while increasing shareholder value. I have seen more plant improvements in the past 10 years than I saw in the 38 years of my experience that preceeded them.
First of all, since no one else has mentioned it:
Welcome, Eric Hendrickson to these Forums
For a first post you kinda kicked the door in, but it did need to be done,[IMHO ]
Balt ACD has added his usual clarity to a subject, I'd bet he has thought about and discussed , more than once. As a topic it seems to rise to the surface more in comments ( or asides) by some Posters on an infrequent basis. .
For some reason the impression of CSX is that it has sort of inherited the position of "The Rodney Daigerfield" of the Railroad Industry. Not sure where or who that started and has actually happened.
Balt ACD's explanation certainly, seems to give the circumstances a timeline and hang some faces on responsibility for aspects of the Corporate slide into there role of the R.R. 'Rodney Dangerfield.' Back in the late 1990's and early 2000 years, I lived near Atlanta (Ga.) and was involved as a small cog in the wheel of Georgia OLI.. I met any number of NS Employees, and CSX folks as well, as also with some of the Shortline members,; They were all professional and willing to explain things to those of us from the Trucking side of the Transportation industry.
I had the good fortune to ride on a couple of OLI Safety Passenger Excursions that enabled non railroaders to experience what was an everyday occurrence for the Railroaders. They were pretty eye-opening rides for us who were not used to the traffic problems at highway-grade crossings, for the Engine Crews and MOW personnel.
Point being, as Larry ( Tree68) mentioned as well. The problems for CSX seem to reside in disgruntled former employees. and possibly soemwho were discharged as well. They have focused their anger in what amounts to unregulated web sites that spout vitriole and hate messages in ad hominem attacks that are unsubstantiated and relay rhetorical situations (?) to folks who are just bored and reading on The'Net, or may also have an axe to grind with CSX. They are sort of like 'crabs', and 'no seeums' (gnats) they are mostly annoying, and once spent, disappear.
Out here in Kansas we are pretty isolated from most of CSX's activities; about the only time CSX comes up, is when the odd run-through power shows up out here on UPRR, or BNSF.
So Eric, I don't think you have anything to not be proud of with your service to CSX. They have been around for a long tim; anyone that "Uncle Pete" would loan his Callenger (3985) ( and Steam Crew) to, and let them run it up and down their system, can't be all bad ...That was Pretty Cool !
BaltACD Michael Ward had a large disfunctional organization on his plate when he became Chairman, succeeding John Snow. From my viewpoint he has been doing an admirable job of fixing deferred maintenance and building the physical plant to meet the growing transportation needs for a growing US population - all the while increasing shareholder value. I have seen more plant improvements in the past 10 years than I saw in the 38 years of my experience that preceeded them.
The criticisms or even "hate" you mention directed at CSX should not matter so much to you, as long as you feel good about the way the company operates, in general, and the way it treats you, in particular are positive from your perspective.
C&NW, CA&E, MILW, CGW and IC fan
First welcome to the forums. Have been watching B&O,chessie and CSX all the time. We know a lot of CSX traincrews and Mow people. We like how CSX is a parade of other railroads power at times. I don't want to make this topic go down the negative road so I won't.We will keep watching.(you can message me if you want).
stay safe
Joe
Deshler Ohio-crossroads of the B&O Matt eats your fries.YUM! Clinton st viaduct undefeated against too tall trucks!!!(voted to be called the "Clinton St. can opener").
Never too old to have a happy childhood!
IMHO in the 1980s was especially hard on CSX and its predecessors. Revenue was down more and the operating ratio went up more than other RRs. In an a attempt to not scare off investors and maintain a semblance of equality with other RRs they may have not kept enough retained earnings to maintain their physical plant and eequipment. Then came the aborted take over attempt to soak it even more.
All that has made CSX a poor comparsion to the other class 1s with their better physical plant. I agree that employees now are on the whole a friendlier bunch than some other RRs. Having moved 30 years ago to CSX the attitude of employees has greatly improved. In the 1980s they were desperate to see more effort into locos and ROW. They still are not as much but CSX is still trying to catch up. I am aware of projects around here that are awaiting funds. Until about 1995 we had 112 # circa 1912 welded rail here that was rapidly failing. Once they can get these very expensive upgrades completed and spend more or other upgrades maybe they can be equal. The CR split up certainly caused a big infrastructure upgrade. The major intermodal and oil train upgrades has caused CSX to divert funds that could have been well spent elsewhere.
Remember when the SP portion of the UP merger was melting down they hate for UP came from all directions
I live in south central Pennsylvania and everytime I run into a CSX employee, whether on a train or on the ground they are very friendly and courteous. I have nothing bad to say about CSX excpt that they will not fix their rail in New Oxford which is in bad shape. But that is another matter. All in all I will not bash CSX.
Ira
Eric - Welcome to the Forum.
I could go ad nauseum on this subject, since people are a main interest of mine. But much to the relief of the posters, I will just say that if you like your job, then ignore the really biased negatives and go for the positive. You can help your company by being positive and pointedly staying away from nay-sayers as much as possible.
Whining didn't start with your generation - trust me.
They could paint the engines orange and someone will whine - that's me. But I will defend BNSF if it is unfairly criticized.
Just do your job and a little beyond if you can. Enjoy your job until you don't or can't. Then do something else that you truly enjoy. Make your small space the happiest and best you can. And just between the two of us and no one else - I am pleased there are still people out there that do really like their job! You can make a difference for your company.
I will leave the stated questions for the rest of the posters.
Mookie
She who has no signature! cinscocom-tmw
UP has been referred to here as the "Yellow Peril" and "the borg."
Just like with anything else, there are those that love, and those that hate. Chevy/Ford/Dodge, anyone?
I will say that CSX is the only RR I know of that apparently has a "hate" site...
Larry Resident Microferroequinologist (at least at my house) Everyone goes home; Safety begins with you My Opinion. Standard Disclaimers Apply. No Expiration Date Come ride the rails with me! There's one thing about humility - the moment you think you've got it, you've lost it...
Of course, I don't know the answer to this attitude (if it truly exists), but I can relate it to the bashing the post office constantly continues to get. Forty years ago or so, it was practically impossible to send a package by mail without it arriving all smashed up. They have really cleaned up their act, and I am impressed with their service lately. However, they still continue to be bashed by many, though that is probably in part due to the anti-government attitude that many people have.
Again, I don't know, but if I recall correctly, about the time of the Conrail split, CSX was having problems with derailments and other problems probably in part due to lack of maintenance. I think it was run by non-railroad people for whom maintenance was an expensive nuisance. Once a little bad press gets out, it takes a long time to change people's impression. This is my impression; others may correct me.
There was an article in TRAINS in the last year or two about the management changes at CSX. (Changes for the better.)
_____________
"A stranger's just a friend you ain't met yet." --- Dave Gardner
I own stock in CSX. In addition, I have CSX bonds. I am hanging on to both because I have a favorable view of CSX. My view is formed largely by reading its financial statements as well as general news about the company.
I worked for the largest electric utility in the United States (generation) before retiring. It was a great company; I had a great career. A few employees, as well as a small minority of our customers, did not like the company. Unfortunately, as is often the case, the minority shouted their disdain for the company, which got attention, and people generalized it as widespread dislike of the organization when in fact it was just a very vocal minority of disgruntled people.
My opinion is, that hatred is a core part of our make up. With the government intervening on so many fronts telling us what we are no longer "allowed" to hate, people determined to flaunt their hatred are ever more challenged to find acceptable channels. Corporations will seldom squander their time and resources to defend themselves on such a picayune level, making them an ideal target.
I don't think that CSX is the sole target, even in the railroad industry. I hear lots of negative stuff about NS's iron fisted management style, not to mention Amtrak's inability to be all things to all people.
Perhaps you're just overly sensitive to criticisms of CSX because you have your heart there?
My first posting to the Trains forum, so be patient with me.
First off, let me be clear, I work for CSX. I've been employed by CSX for 10+ years now in both union and managment positions. I currently work as a mid-level manager in operations. Overall, I've worked in the rail industry for almost 20 years now. Previously for the Soo Line/CP, and then for Amtrak. (I will save my comments on CSX for the end.) I am a lifelong railfan and modeler.
It seems to me that CSX is consistantly bashed on railfan blogs and literature. Some of it is deserved, I am sure. But some of it seems to be rooted in a deep hate for this company. I am not sure why. I have seen dislike for a rail company many times before. UP and Rail America come to mind. But the disdane seems light compared to information published on CSX.
BNSF, NS, and other railroads seem to get positive press in most postings and magazines. The NS Heritage program helps, I suppose. BNSF seems to do nothing wrong. CP/CN/KCS seem to go either way. And don't get me started on the Florida East Coast or Amtrak!
I have recently given up my subscription to the railfan blog called Trainorders.com. I am most likely letting go of RailPace and The Railroad Photographer over thier CSX bashing. I am not going to financially support an orginization that uses thier pulpit for incorrect information and hate. (RailPace is really bad on this front). Trains, Railroads Illustrated, and Railfan and Railroad seem to be balanced on thier observations. There is a website, which I will not mention, that is devoted to bashing CSX. Of course a majority is current and former employees. (Which begs the question; if you hate your job or company, why not find other work?) It's laughable to read what some will post and blame CSX for. (What!? You signed up for a 24/7 job and was not allowed to mark off for the weekend?)
What really confuses me, is how railfans will bash CSX, and then still take rail trips to photograph thier trains. Take the ForidaRailroading Yahoo group for instance. Most times, I will see postings that bash CSX, then a little later the same person is going to Folkston, GA to view CSX trains! I am a member of many Yahoo lists, covering railroads around North America, and the lists that cover parts of CSX seems to take a negative approach to postings. Maybe railfans are like soldiers. (I am former US Army by the way). If they are not whining, something is wrong.
I realize CSX does not have a heritage program. Does not participate is most railfan events. Is alleged to have an anti steam policy. And has, up until 2004, had a revolving door of senior leaders. I am sure someone will post that CSX is run by bean counters and not railroaders.
Some questions I ask myself.
Is it the name?
Is it the lack of railfan activity?
Is it the paint scheme?
Is it the prior management and the revolving door of leaders up until the Micheal Ward era?
Does having a heritage paint or steam program make good sense in the eyes of a customer or share holder?
Will a customer ship more product with a company viewed as favorable by railfans?
Will an investor buy more CSX stock if they are viewed as favorable by railfans?
Would the money spent on painting locomotives be better spent on fixing infrastructure and reducing debt?
Are the other railroad companies better at "spinning" thier story?
Why the hate?
Again, I know I am biased. Maybe too sensitive as well. Now, for my thoughts.
CSX has been very good to me and my family. Aside from the fact that I am a railfan, the pay and benefits are decent. Yes, I work weird hours and miss events. But that is what I signed up for. Has there been tough days, yes. Has CSX made some bone-headed decisions, yes. But overall, CSX is a great company to work for and I have had many more good days than bad. I work with some terrific people, both management and craft employees. I have had more fun and laughs with people at CSX than my previous employers. Overall, I am pleased so far with my job at CSX. I will leave my thoughts on the other railroads to myself.
Eric Hendrickson
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