BN Oly Wrote:
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> Gosh Jack you're right! These regional railroads
> employees should unionize so their operating
> employees earn $100k a year and make the cost
> structure as unprofitable as when the class ones
> ran the lines. Unionize and put yourselves out of
> a job!

Wow! Which of the multitude of regionals that are already unionized pay their employees $100K a year?

Back in 1995, I was offered immediate employment at Willamette & Pacific, a Genesee & Wyoming property. At the time they were non-union. After Bob Melbo was forced out, the employees voted to unionize. Do they now make $100K? If so, I'm kicking myself for not taking them up on their offer!

> Its called at-will employment for a reason. If
> you don't like it, leave. No one is forcing you
> or any other employee to work. The market will
> bear the wage required to fill the position
> comensurate with the work required. If they can't
> keep it staffed, guess what the wage goes up to a
> point where the market retains the labor force in
> that position.

Very true. One is free to chose whether they want to work for a non-union railroad or for one that pays a higher wage, has better H&W, and has a collective bargaining agreement that establishes work rules and conditions (such as, being provided with drinking water while at work), and a grievance process. Also, not all non-union railroads pay into the Railroad Retirement system. So you're right - it's your choice.