The IAM Union Rail Division has stated it is closely monitoring Union Pacific’s proposed $85 billion acquisition of Norfolk Southern. The union said the merger could have significant effects on freight rail, including concerns about community safety, job security, workers’ rights, competition, and the long-term stability of the industry.
In a statement, the IAM Union Rail Division called for openness during the Surface Transportation Board’s regulatory review 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 its focus on 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 the Transportation Communications Union (TCU/IAM) and IAM District 19. The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) represents about 600,000 active and retired members across several industries in North America.
