 |
Re: Difficult getting a RR job.
Author: OPRRMS
Date: 01-16-2013 - 00:34
JR Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> In the Bakersfield area.
OK, I see.
Something I didn't see mentioned in your posts, unless I missed it, is whether you've applied for trainmen positions in the past and haven't been selected, or if this is your first time. If it's the former, then that's probably the end of the discussion, but if it's the latter, keep reading.
I assume you understand that Class 1 railroads hire employees based on an actual or perceived need of service. Thus, when and where they hire, and how many that hire, is up to them. In most of not all instances, you need to submit an on-line application on the railroads' web site. They also list the requirements to be accepted.
UP, for example, only accepts applications for trainmen positions at specific locations listed on their web site, which changes based on the need of service. As of yesterday, they are accepting applications for Dunsmuir, CA, Portland, OR, and Pocatello and Montpelier, ID. And just because they are advertising for these positions, and accept your application, doesn't necessarily guarantee they'll actually hire for them, or you.
Severe Duty explained how it works on the BNSF. UP is different. They use for what's called Hub and Zones within most Service Units. Bakersfield is in UP's Roseville Service Unit, so that means that you could work based on your seniority, or possibly be force assigned, anywhere within the RVSU, which covers Bakerefield and San Luis Obispo on the south north to Dunsmuir and Sparks. So in theory, you could apply for the current class at Dunsmuir provided you don't mind relocating there at your own expense, with the hope that at some point in the (likely distant) future you'd be able to hold Bakersfield. Although UP currently lists hiring in Dunsmuir, and they have at least one class in training in the RVSU right now, they also have trainmen furloughed in the RVSU. West Colton, part of the Los Angeles Service Unit, also currently has trainmen furloughed, in case you are interested in that area.
Two important points to remember are that you may be furloughed for long or short periods of time for many years, and that at some point the railroads will likely get the right to run selected trains with only one person. Both of these can affect your future employment relationship.
As an aside, don't waste your time and money on "Choo Choo U" schools. They are not required for employment with either UP or BNSF. All necessary training will be done in-house after you're hired.
-------------------------------------------------------
> In the Bakersfield area.
OK, I see.
Something I didn't see mentioned in your posts, unless I missed it, is whether you've applied for trainmen positions in the past and haven't been selected, or if this is your first time. If it's the former, then that's probably the end of the discussion, but if it's the latter, keep reading.
I assume you understand that Class 1 railroads hire employees based on an actual or perceived need of service. Thus, when and where they hire, and how many that hire, is up to them. In most of not all instances, you need to submit an on-line application on the railroads' web site. They also list the requirements to be accepted.
UP, for example, only accepts applications for trainmen positions at specific locations listed on their web site, which changes based on the need of service. As of yesterday, they are accepting applications for Dunsmuir, CA, Portland, OR, and Pocatello and Montpelier, ID. And just because they are advertising for these positions, and accept your application, doesn't necessarily guarantee they'll actually hire for them, or you.
Severe Duty explained how it works on the BNSF. UP is different. They use for what's called Hub and Zones within most Service Units. Bakersfield is in UP's Roseville Service Unit, so that means that you could work based on your seniority, or possibly be force assigned, anywhere within the RVSU, which covers Bakerefield and San Luis Obispo on the south north to Dunsmuir and Sparks. So in theory, you could apply for the current class at Dunsmuir provided you don't mind relocating there at your own expense, with the hope that at some point in the (likely distant) future you'd be able to hold Bakersfield. Although UP currently lists hiring in Dunsmuir, and they have at least one class in training in the RVSU right now, they also have trainmen furloughed in the RVSU. West Colton, part of the Los Angeles Service Unit, also currently has trainmen furloughed, in case you are interested in that area.
Two important points to remember are that you may be furloughed for long or short periods of time for many years, and that at some point the railroads will likely get the right to run selected trains with only one person. Both of these can affect your future employment relationship.
As an aside, don't waste your time and money on "Choo Choo U" schools. They are not required for employment with either UP or BNSF. All necessary training will be done in-house after you're hired.
