Yea im a conductor! Your right its a good job but this whole situation has me discouraged. The fact that the carrier really doesn't give a crap about their workers concerns me. They hired like crazy and now just to drop us like nothing. And i paid $200 per month for union dues and they really dont care or help us much at all. Haven't worked long enough to draw railroad unemployment and apparently i cant get regular state unemployment for different reasons (so i hear) i applied so we will see what happens. But I'm just worried about paying my bills right now. Anyhow yea i liked the job so i hope business picks back up and i can grow my seniority. If i work for another company i don't forfeit anything with the railroad correct?
Welcome to being a railroader buddy! The carriers don't give two phucks about the employees that's why we are union, But the unions can't do much of anything about no traffic. I've been with u.p. 10 years now and my first 4 years were rough getting bumped around but it is well worth it. U.P over hired aswell and there are 200+ new guys furloughed in my seniority district. You can get another job and it won't affect anything with the railroad, they will call when they need ya back. I know all to well what your going thru , call your local railroad unemployment office and ask them if you are eligible for unemployment benefits. I think if you worked 6 months out of the year you are eligable.
