Railroad Jobs

[Anonymous]

Mud, I will E-mail you personally on this forum. My pals know where I work (Mook, etc.), but I like to remain somewhat anonymous. We have had TMs surf these sites and question guys if they were so-and-so.
Ken

[Anonymous]

Hey ironken,

What road do you work for, the division and home state? I knew what it was like to be 6x out, and no way was I getting out, just to get the Hill Job out of Richmond VA which was definitely a hog lawer, in the pouring rain in January and its 33 Degrees outside.
How long have you been on the job?

Thanks for backing me up. I hope that the info I gave helps these young guys. Railroads definitely take advantage...

Mud

[Anonymous]

Hey ironken,

What road do you work for, the division and home state? I knew what it was like to be 6x out, and no way was I getting out, just to get the Hill Job out of Richmond VA which was definitely a hog lawer, in the pouring rain in January and its 33 Degrees outside.
How long have you been on the job?

Thanks for backing me up. I hope that the info I gave helps these young guys. Railroads definitely take advantage...

Mud

[Anonymous]

Mud shot it to you all pretty damn straight! Right now I'm sittin' at home on the bubble. Was 6x out just a couple of hours ago. Doubt that I'll get called, but, you never know. Boy an icy cold brew sounds good! Nope! Forget it! Wow, I would like to go to a little town a few miles away and see a gal! Can't! Wouldn't make my call! This is the story of my life. Why don't I quit? With our tanking economy, diecent paying jobs are hard to find and I don't want to go back to welding just yet!
Ken

[Anonymous]

Mud shot it to you all pretty damn straight! Right now I'm sittin' at home on the bubble. Was 6x out just a couple of hours ago. Doubt that I'll get called, but, you never know. Boy an icy cold brew sounds good! Nope! Forget it! Wow, I would like to go to a little town a few miles away and see a gal! Can't! Wouldn't make my call! This is the story of my life. Why don't I quit? With our tanking economy, diecent paying jobs are hard to find and I don't want to go back to welding just yet!
Ken

[Anonymous]

Hey Targubright,

By National Labor Agreement, it is the responsibility of the Railroads, not the labor unions to supply medical insurance. Here is where it gets a little sticky. CSX for example is not a whole railroad by itself, but a conglomerate of many railroads, C&O, B&O, RF&P, WM, L&N, Clinchfield, SAL, ACL, PM, and a few others. As the railroads merged, they became under one corporate logo, but by agreements, their individual characteristics have remained the same. The railroads have been trying, through negotiation and legal action, to eliminate originality in roads and come up with one labor agreement to cover all roads under their jurisdiction. Railroaders fight this because each road has its perks. For example. At Acca Yard in Richmond VA, you had RF&P, SCL, ACL and C&O employees working. RF&P personnel received additional compensation by their agreement, vs the C&O, and SCL/ACL men. Under a unified agreement, RF&P guys would lose out, and the others might gain/stay same, so there is an issue.

Now I cannot be for certain, but I imagine that the UP/BNSF/NS/KCS and CP/CN has the same issues. Because of this, the railroads may have different policies regarding medical insurance. When I was working, C&O employees paid out $80.00 per month/$40.00/per half for health insurance, while the same SCL/ACL men paid nothing because of the labor agreement. See how it gets sticky?

Y'all are doing the right thing by asking questions. Making an educated decision is important. I am humbled that you will ask and will offer what I can from what I experienced.

[Anonymous]

Hey Targubright,

By National Labor Agreement, it is the responsibility of the Railroads, not the labor unions to supply medical insurance. Here is where it gets a little sticky. CSX for example is not a whole railroad by itself, but a conglomerate of many railroads, C&O, B&O, RF&P, WM, L&N, Clinchfield, SAL, ACL, PM, and a few others. As the railroads merged, they became under one corporate logo, but by agreements, their individual characteristics have remained the same. The railroads have been trying, through negotiation and legal action, to eliminate originality in roads and come up with one labor agreement to cover all roads under their jurisdiction. Railroaders fight this because each road has its perks. For example. At Acca Yard in Richmond VA, you had RF&P, SCL, ACL and C&O employees working. RF&P personnel received additional compensation by their agreement, vs the C&O, and SCL/ACL men. Under a unified agreement, RF&P guys would lose out, and the others might gain/stay same, so there is an issue.

Now I cannot be for certain, but I imagine that the UP/BNSF/NS/KCS and CP/CN has the same issues. Because of this, the railroads may have different policies regarding medical insurance. When I was working, C&O employees paid out $80.00 per month/$40.00/per half for health insurance, while the same SCL/ACL men paid nothing because of the labor agreement. See how it gets sticky?

Y'all are doing the right thing by asking questions. Making an educated decision is important. I am humbled that you will ask and will offer what I can from what I experienced.

[jrw249]

MUDINURI,
Thanks very much for your wisdom.

[jrw249]

MUDINURI,
Thanks very much for your wisdom.

[Anonymous]

Do the railroads supply medical insurance or do the Unions??
TIM A

[Anonymous]

Do the railroads supply medical insurance or do the Unions??
TIM A

[Anonymous]

Hey There,

Do not be confused! You will not, I repeat not, as a first year worker make $60,000! That would be uncommon. Your beginning pay in the opening year will be around 30K, maybe a stretch to 40K. Railroads feed on people who have a love for trains, railroading, etc. You will not be told of anything about compensation union agreement wise until after you go through probations, and the wage you receive as a conductor trainee, with CSX is only about $1200.00 per half. People enter it because the rumor that railroading was one of the highest paying jobs 20 or 30 years ago is still there! The fact is, that where most blue and white collar salaries are increasing, railroaders have stayed put, lost wages, or increased very little.

Guys and Gals, whereas I don't claim to know everything, I lived this and experienced it first hand. If you have grand illusions of making 60K the first year, jump feet first, but you will quickly find that the water is ice cold and you will freeze! Bigger monies just don't happen at the junior levels. It takes years to get to 60K and close to 20-25 with the right division, seniority and assignment to be able to pull in 60-100K. Even at that, that is with busting your hump!

Railroaders don't talk much about there profession, its internals. I don't know why. Reminded me of a secret sect sometimes. I chalked it up to the code of the rails, brotherhood, etc. Like I said, your love for the job, trains, railroading, etc., must outweigh all the frustrations in the beginning to survive. If you go in with any preconceived ideas you will struggle.

Take my wisdom as you will, or leave it alone. But I must tell you the truth as I experienced it.

[Anonymous]

Hey There,

Do not be confused! You will not, I repeat not, as a first year worker make $60,000! That would be uncommon. Your beginning pay in the opening year will be around 30K, maybe a stretch to 40K. Railroads feed on people who have a love for trains, railroading, etc. You will not be told of anything about compensation union agreement wise until after you go through probations, and the wage you receive as a conductor trainee, with CSX is only about $1200.00 per half. People enter it because the rumor that railroading was one of the highest paying jobs 20 or 30 years ago is still there! The fact is, that where most blue and white collar salaries are increasing, railroaders have stayed put, lost wages, or increased very little.

Guys and Gals, whereas I don't claim to know everything, I lived this and experienced it first hand. If you have grand illusions of making 60K the first year, jump feet first, but you will quickly find that the water is ice cold and you will freeze! Bigger monies just don't happen at the junior levels. It takes years to get to 60K and close to 20-25 with the right division, seniority and assignment to be able to pull in 60-100K. Even at that, that is with busting your hump!

Railroaders don't talk much about there profession, its internals. I don't know why. Reminded me of a secret sect sometimes. I chalked it up to the code of the rails, brotherhood, etc. Like I said, your love for the job, trains, railroading, etc., must outweigh all the frustrations in the beginning to survive. If you go in with any preconceived ideas you will struggle.

Take my wisdom as you will, or leave it alone. But I must tell you the truth as I experienced it.

[jrw249]

I got accepted with CSX, however, not knowing for sure what to do I had to pass for now. Its a tuff decision.

[jrw249]

I got accepted with CSX, however, not knowing for sure what to do I had to pass for now. Its a tuff decision.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by jrw249

Was thinking about working for the railroad but it appears that it would not be fair to my wife. I guess I will have to be satisfied helping with a tourist railroad.

I hafta agree with you there. [:(] I haven't completely abandoned the idea of working on the RR but the thought of basically turning my life over to any job is a big turn-off. I don't see why the unions allow this kind of thing to go on. I have a hard time believing that things couldn't be set up so that a person could have at least one day a week off for sure. For now, I'm going to do one of those work-from-home jobs. Since I bailed from the interview with UP before I'd gone through the testing and such, I can re-apply anytime I want. I've also got a friend at Metra who is going to let me know the next time they are hiring. They don't work 24 hrs/day so that would be something and I would also be home at the end of my job.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by jrw249

Was thinking about working for the railroad but it appears that it would not be fair to my wife. I guess I will have to be satisfied helping with a tourist railroad.

I hafta agree with you there. [:(] I haven't completely abandoned the idea of working on the RR but the thought of basically turning my life over to any job is a big turn-off. I don't see why the unions allow this kind of thing to go on. I have a hard time believing that things couldn't be set up so that a person could have at least one day a week off for sure. For now, I'm going to do one of those work-from-home jobs. Since I bailed from the interview with UP before I'd gone through the testing and such, I can re-apply anytime I want. I've also got a friend at Metra who is going to let me know the next time they are hiring. They don't work 24 hrs/day so that would be something and I would also be home at the end of my job.

[jrw249]

Some Questions?
1. If railroading is so bad why do so many keep doing it? The Pay? Is the turnover rate for railroaders now higher than it was before?
2. Using the $2500 ($60000 a year) figure its appears about $30000 would be paid in taxes, insurance, ect?

[jrw249]

Some Questions?
1. If railroading is so bad why do so many keep doing it? The Pay? Is the turnover rate for railroaders now higher than it was before?
2. Using the $2500 ($60000 a year) figure its appears about $30000 would be paid in taxes, insurance, ect?

[Anonymous]

10. Closing, this is just some of what’s out there. Regrettably, most vets will not tell you this. Make sure that a career on the railroad is really what you want before you jump in. If you don't, you are in for a rude awakening! Railroading life is unique, and there just isn't any other profession around like it; case none!

Simply put: your love of trains must be able to overcome all this, and then some. If you can do it, the life will be rewarding. I left due to a critical train wreck. I am not soured, I miss the job. I am just speaking the plain truth. The grass isn’t always greener on the other side of the fence. If I told you otherwise, I would be a liar!

[Anonymous]

10. Closing, this is just some of what’s out there. Regrettably, most vets will not tell you this. Make sure that a career on the railroad is really what you want before you jump in. If you don't, you are in for a rude awakening! Railroading life is unique, and there just isn't any other profession around like it; case none!

Simply put: your love of trains must be able to overcome all this, and then some. If you can do it, the life will be rewarding. I left due to a critical train wreck. I am not soured, I miss the job. I am just speaking the plain truth. The grass isn’t always greener on the other side of the fence. If I told you otherwise, I would be a liar!

[Anonymous]

9. Your payroll is required to be reviewed carefully as claims are often not paid right away. YOU MUST MAINTAIN A LOG BOOK OF JOBS, AND LABOR REQUESTS THAT VIOLATE THE AGREEMENTS, AND FILE CLAIMS. THIS CAN BE TEDIOUS AND FRUSTRATING IN OF ITSELF. YOU WILL NEVER KNOW EXACTLY HOW MUCH YOUR PAYCHECK WILL BE. THERE ARE JUST TOO MANY FACTORS IN THE OPENING YEARS TO DETERMINE THIS. Seniory will improve that. Seniority=Time.

[Anonymous]

9. Your payroll is required to be reviewed carefully as claims are often not paid right away. YOU MUST MAINTAIN A LOG BOOK OF JOBS, AND LABOR REQUESTS THAT VIOLATE THE AGREEMENTS, AND FILE CLAIMS. THIS CAN BE TEDIOUS AND FRUSTRATING IN OF ITSELF. YOU WILL NEVER KNOW EXACTLY HOW MUCH YOUR PAYCHECK WILL BE. THERE ARE JUST TOO MANY FACTORS IN THE OPENING YEARS TO DETERMINE THIS. Seniory will improve that. Seniority=Time.

[Anonymous]

6. There is no romance on the rails anymore.

7. I repeat, there is no romance on the rails anymore.

8. I repeat numbers 6 and 7 again. But do not mistake no romance for no pride.

[Anonymous]

6. There is no romance on the rails anymore.

7. I repeat, there is no romance on the rails anymore.

8. I repeat numbers 6 and 7 again. But do not mistake no romance for no pride.

[Anonymous]

5. Any railroader completing an 8 hour shift, must receive 8 hours off before returning. Any railroader who completes more than that, such as doubling a shift
will receive 12 hours uninterrupted rest. This is FRA mandated. Crew Dispatchers normally give 2 hour notice reporting time. This will vary per your local agreements but the standard seems to be 2 hours, some may have more. Miss a call, you are automatically marked off, and subject to review.

[Anonymous]

5. Any railroader completing an 8 hour shift, must receive 8 hours off before returning. Any railroader who completes more than that, such as doubling a shift
will receive 12 hours uninterrupted rest. This is FRA mandated. Crew Dispatchers normally give 2 hour notice reporting time. This will vary per your local agreements but the standard seems to be 2 hours, some may have more. Miss a call, you are automatically marked off, and subject to review.

[Anonymous]

4. Taxes: YOU WILL BE TAXED 55% of your check minimum! You are subjected to Federal, State, Railroad Retirement 1, Railroad Retirement 2, Medicare and Disability
taxes. You then must pay your union dues, any shared medical expenses, run off insurance (optional). A half that pays $2500 of legitimate work will only see about $1100 net take home pay. This is across the boards and doesn’t vary between railroads. The only issue that will vary is your union dues andstate taxes.

[Anonymous]

4. Taxes: YOU WILL BE TAXED 55% of your check minimum! You are subjected to Federal, State, Railroad Retirement 1, Railroad Retirement 2, Medicare and Disability
taxes. You then must pay your union dues, any shared medical expenses, run off insurance (optional). A half that pays $2500 of legitimate work will only see about $1100 net take home pay. This is across the boards and doesn’t vary between railroads. The only issue that will vary is your union dues andstate taxes.

[Anonymous]

3. Railroads are playing a double take. Many are requiring you to take a railroad conductors training course which costs you between $5000 to $6500 between classes, hotel, meals, travel, etc. Once you complete the training, there is no reimbursement for this expense, and it is NOT tax deductible. What was happening right after I was in school, and spent that money, was some were required to take the course, and then others were hired right off the street not requiring it. Watch out for the double take!

I will say this: The training I received excelled my understanding tremendously, however, I was indoctrinated with the concept that the course gave 30 years of practical experience in 5 weeks. This is sheer non-sense, and if you make the mistake of taking that and running, when you get to your assignment, you will anger veterans. What they teach in the course may differ to what's on the ground!