Billions for Wall Street, Crumbs for Workers: The Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern Merger

LISTEN UP, FOLKS! The rail industry is about to see a seismic shift, and it’s not good news for the workers. The planned merger between Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern is a $85 billion deal that could create the nation’s first coast-to-coast freight rail operator. But here’s the kicker: while Wall Street is salivating over the potential profits, the workers are getting the short end of the stick.

The Transport Workers Union of America (TWU) is sounding the alarm. They’re calling this merger a disaster in the making. Why? Because Union Pacific has a safety record that’s as shaky as a house of cards in a hurricane. The federal government caught them trying to meddle in a safety audit, and that’s just the tip of the iceberg. This merger would be catastrophic for TWU rail workers, shippers, and the safety of millions of Americans who live and work near freight rail lines.

Let’s break it down:

- Safety Concerns: Union Pacific has a troubling safety record. They lead the industry in accidents, incidents, injuries, and fatalities. This is not a company that should be trusted with a coast-to-coast rail network.

- Labor Practices: The union alleges excessive levels of harassment and retaliatory behavior against workers. This is not an environment where workers can thrive.

- Job Security: Union Pacific cut railroad jobs even as other freight railroads ramped up hiring after the pandemic. They are not to be trusted by railroad workers nationwide.

The TWU is not alone in their opposition. The SMART Transportation Division (SMART-TD) has also expressed strong concerns. They’ve urged all parties to use "measured skepticism" in evaluating how the merger could impact rail workers, safety, service quality, and the long-term health of the freight rail industry.

But it’s not just about the workers. This merger has serious implications for the entire freight rail industry. The Surface Transportation Board (STB) and the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) need to step up and conduct thorough investigations. They need to ensure that any merger approval is contingent on Union Pacific addressing these issues and implementing measures to improve worker safety and job security.

The TWU is calling on federal regulators, lawmakers, shippers, and unions to block the deal. They expect the STB, FRA, key lawmakers, other railroads, and shippers to stand with organized labor and oppose this deal. This is going to be a long, drawn-out process, but the TWU is ready for the fight.

So, what can you do? If you’re an investor, think twice before jumping on the merger bandwagon. This deal is a ticking time bomb for the workers and the industry as a whole. If you’re a worker, stand with the unions and fight for your rights. This is a battle for the future of the freight rail industry, and it’s one that we can’t afford to lose.

STAY TUNED, FOLKS! This story is far from over. The fight for the future of the freight rail industry is just beginning, and it’s going to be a wild ride.