Union Pacific and Engineers Disagree on New Schedules

Union Pacific, the nation’s largest railroad, is facing disagreement with the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) union over the new schedules introduced to improve work-life balance for engineers. The disagreement has raised concerns that the railroad may be reneging on its promises to make schedules more predictable, similar to the situation that led to a nationwide rail strike two years ago.

Background: The Struggle for Predictable Schedules

In recent years, engineers have been on-call 24-7, with only a couple of hours’ notice before reporting to work. They have also faced penalties for missing time off under a strict points system. Last year, Union Pacific introduced new schedules, promising more predictable days off and improved quality of life for engineers. However, the railroad is now requesting changes to the agreement, citing that engineers are not putting in enough work to cover the shifts of workers on regular time off.

The New Schedules: A Game Changer

The new schedules, which have been implemented in some areas, make it possible for engineers to attend doctor’s appointments, family gatherings, and important events. Engineers say that these schedules have significantly improved their quality of life. Mark Ganong, a Union Pacific engineer from Texas with 22 years of experience, claims that the new schedules have improved his overall health, attitude, and ability to schedule things.

The Railroad’s Perspective

Union Pacific CEO Jim Vena acknowledges that the railroad still plans to live up to the schedule agreement it signed but believes that the schedules need to be tweaked to accommodate the reality of engineer workloads. Vena states that the railroad has committed to people and signed an 11-and-four deal, promising engineers 11 days of work followed by four days off.

Engineers’ Concerns

Engineers, however, argue that the changes Union Pacific is proposing will undermine the improvements they have seen. The BLET union is pushing back against the changes, claiming that they will make it difficult for engineers to plan their days off and may even lead to a breakdown in morale.

The Consequences of Unpredictable Schedules

Unpredictable schedules have severe consequences for engineers’ personal lives. Nathan Rouse, a former Union Pacific engineer, had to miss countless birthdays, holidays, and family events due to the on-call nature of his job. He eventually quit the railroad after nearly three years, citing the toll the unpredictable schedule was taking on his relationships.

Conclusion

The disagreement between Union Pacific and the BLET union highlights the ongoing struggle for predictable schedules in the rail industry. Engineers are fighting to regain control over their work-life balance, which has been eroded by the demanding nature of the job. It is crucial for the railroad and the union to work together to address the concerns of engineers and ensure that they have a reasonable quality of life.

FAQs

Q: What is the 11-and-four schedule?
A: The 11-and-four schedule promises engineers 11 days of work followed by four days off, which allows them to plan their days off and attend important events.

Q: Why is Union Pacific requesting changes to the schedule agreement?
A: Union Pacific claims that engineers are not putting in enough work to cover the shifts of workers on regular time off, making it necessary to tweak the schedules.

Q: What are the consequences of unpredictable schedules for engineers?
A: Unpredictable schedules can lead to missing important events, disrupting personal relationships, and negatively impacting mental and physical health.

Q: Why is the BLET union pushing back against Union Pacific’s proposed changes?
A: The BLET union argues that the proposed changes will undermine the improvements in quality of life for engineers and make it difficult for them to plan their days off.

Q: What is the ultimate goal of the engineers’ fight for predictable schedules?
A: The ultimate goal is to regain control over their work-life balance and ensure a reasonable quality of life for themselves and their families.

Author: fortune.com

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