The IAM Union Rail Division has stated it is closely following Union Pacific’s proposed $85 billion acquisition of Norfolk Southern. The union said the merger could have a significant impact on the freight rail industry, with possible effects on community safety, job security, workers’ rights, competition, and long-term stability.
In its statement, the IAM Union Rail Division called for transparency during the Surface Transportation Board’s regulatory review process. The union also pledged to advocate for its members’ interests throughout the process. “The IAM Union Rail Division urges complete transparency throughout the Surface Transportation Board’s regulatory review process and will fight to protect our members’ jobs, rights, and livelihoods. We hope that this merger will value workers over the corporate bottom line.”
The union emphasized that its main concern is public safety and economic security for its members. “Our priority remains the safety of the public and the economic security of our members. As this proposal progresses, we will use every available resource to hold carriers and regulators accountable.”
Members of the IAM Rail Division include those from both the Transportation Communications Union (TCU/IAM) and IAM District 19. The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers represents about 600,000 active and retired members in sectors such as aerospace, defense, airlines, railroad, manufacturing, transit, healthcare, automotive, among others.
