The IAM Union Rail Division has expressed concern over Union Pacific’s proposed $85 billion acquisition of Norfolk Southern. The union stated that while the merger could significantly alter the freight rail sector, it brings up issues related to 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. “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 said.
The union emphasized its commitment to public safety and economic security for its members as discussions on the proposal continue. “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,” according to their statement.
The IAM Rail Division includes members from both the Transportation Communications Union (TCU/IAM) and IAM District 19. The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) is one of North America’s largest industrial trade unions, representing about 600,000 active and retired members in sectors such as aerospace, defense, airlines, railroad, manufacturing, transit, healthcare, automotive, among others.
