UP furloughed more than 3,000 workers in 2008; Expects more this year
(The Associated Press circulated the following on January 22, 2009.)
OMAHA, Neb. Union Pacific officials say the biggest challenge for the railroad in 2009 is the uncertain economy.
Last year, the Omaha-based railroad furloughed 3,150 workers. Company officials say they will likely reduce their active work force of 18,062 by 5% more during the first quarter of 2009.
They also said that if volume drops more than expected, more workers could be furloughed.
The furloughed workers receive benefits and about 2,000 of them still work eight shifts a month, so they'll be ready to return when shipping volume improves.
Union Pacific has also stored about 1,200 locomotives and 48,000 railcars.
And railroad officials declined to predict how much they'll earn in 2009 because of the uncertainty.
