Pandemic to blame for Union Pacific layoffs at Bailey Yard
Written by David C. Lester, Editor-in-Chief
An “unspecified number of workers” are the latest casualties in railroad industry layoffs. These layoffs were in the mechanical department at Union Pacific’s Bailey Yard, located in North Platte, Neb., according to the North Platte Telegraph.
This news was confirmed by Union Pacific spokesperson Raquel Espinoza. “Union Pacific is experiencing volume declines as the COVID-19 pandemic impacts the country. We are operating fewer locomotives and rail cars, requiring us to reduce our workforce in the mechanical department today.”
Espinoza did not share the number of workers who were laid off, but said the railroad’s policy is not to disclose the number of workers laid off any any specific location.
The COVID-19-related job losses come a year after Union Pacific adopted its version of precision scheduled railroading (PSR), when about 250 people were laid off from their jobs at Bailey Yard.
Bailey yard is the world’s largest railroad yard, and employs approximately 2,000 people.
For the latest railroad news, please visit rtands.com.
