I don't know what point "Sam Alexander" was trying to make in his nonsensical rant but hourly is a disaster. I work on a Class II road that has a CBA completely separate form the National Agreement and is hourly. It basically eliminates all the work rules that prevent the carrier from abusing you. The carriers want maximum flexibility to force you to do whatever they want you to do on a whim, which is what an hourly agreement will permit. Class I TE&Y employees would be crazy to vote for an hourly agreement. If you think your quality of life sucks now, wait until all the rules that provide at least some predictability are gone.