Union Pacific Faces Criticism Over Scheduling Changes for Train Crews

OMAHA, Neb. — Union Pacific Railroad is reportedly reneging on its commitment to improve scheduling predictability for train crews, a move that has raised concerns among engineers and the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) union. The railroad, which is the largest in the U.S., has informed the union that it is not achieving the expected productivity from its engineers under the new scheduling system, prompting a desire to amend the agreement made last year. CEO Jim Vena acknowledged that the current work output is below expectations, stating, “The amount of work we’re getting — the starts per the 11 days that they’re available — is not anywhere near where both us or the union thought it was going to be.” The new schedule allows engineers to work for 11 consecutive days followed by four planned days off, but the unpredictability of time off remains a significant issue, compounded by a strict attendance points system. In an effort to address these challenges, Union Pacific has begun prioritizing engineers returning from scheduled time off for the next available train, which inadvertently disrupts the schedules of other engineers. The BLET union has taken legal action to compel Union Pacific to adhere to the original schedule agreement, but the dispute remains unresolved for approximately 60% of the engineers still awaiting the new schedules. Engineers like Travis Dye express frustration, noting that while the railroad initially seemed to be addressing their concerns, the lack of public attention on these issues has allowed management to sidestep accountability.