At least it seems like that from my point of view. Now, I don’t want to minimize the fear, the stress and the pain that laid off folks are experiencing. My group has been reduced by half in the last 6 months. All of the laid off people found new jobs in the meantime, and I’m stuck with the workload that was done by 2 of my former coworkers on top of my workload that I usually did, and all of that for a lousy pay at this ruin of a company. You tell me who got the worse deal.
17 replies (most recent on top)
Big meeting in Omaha next week so lm sure some of us that are left will be finding out what it’s like to be a lucky one.
Yep. I got laid off and found a new job less than a week later. Not working for a railroad thankfully! Sorry but I'd hate to be in your shoes. I was so relieved to be laid off and let go from UP. The job was stressing me out big time!
Yeah UP was bad in 2014, but nothing like this. The UP resisted PSR? I don't think so! That dumbshit CEO had every opportunity to say no. He even publicly said he didn't think he would implement it. Way too many people hung on to his every word to find the comfort. I f—ing knew in 2012 when I first heard about it it was coming. He never answers any question directly. He sugarcoated his answers with a descriptive side note. Lance is NOT to be trusted. No one on the executive team should be trusted. He implemented this plan to please the f—ing shareholders. He became the CEO in 2015, and has been a nightmare ever since. I didn't know of anyone that liked him. The UP wasn't as bad as some think in 2014. The UP was just behind the BNSF then. So moral of the story is when you're at the top, then only way for you is down.
I agree UP has gotten much worse, but UP was pretty bad five years ago too. We’re talking 2014 that’s not that long ago and UP was trash then too. Let’s not revise history. They didn’t care about safety then either.
It's important to remember that only 5 years ago, UP really was different. UP hired the best, and cultivated a culture of excellence and high expectations. When they said safety first, they actually meant it (yes, really). You were expected to work hard and do whatever it took–and in return, you'd have a stable job, a steady paycheck, good career prospects, and you'd be working in a great environment with great people.
Who wouldn't buy into a culture like that? It was real. You could count on it. I was proud to be part of UP.
UP's great culture was the first victim of PSR. Many of us who bought into it and were proud to be part of it were let go. Yes, of course it was traumatic to realize that your hard work and emotional investment was for naught. More so because UP was the industry leader, and was actively fending off PSR and Hunter Harrison's cronies (I was especially proud of Lance and UP's Board for resisting PSR.) If you let yourself love your job, of course you will be hurt when it ends. But you won't make that mistake twice.
Moral of the story: NEVER believe them. NEVER buy into a corporate culture, even if it's a culture of excellence like UP's was, because even if it's real, it's not sustainable. One little change in the Board, one memo from BlackRock, and it will all come to a screeching halt.
Just keep your head down and get your work done. Never say anything bad about UP, but never say anything good about it, either. Keep your emotional distance. Save it for your family, your friends, and your church.
The UP we all knew and loved is over. It ain't coming back. Let it go.
There are plenty of great opportunities out there, Go grab one! It's easier than you think, and your experience at UP will help you more than you realize.
I made my own luck by carefully laying the groundwork for the transition to a new and better job while I was at UP.
Those long hours spent sitting in a company vehicle next to a decrepit section of track in the middle of nowhere were put to good use seeking and applying to positions that matched my experience, qualifications, and professional goals. The best part is that I used their company issued mifi to access the internet in remote locations to apply for jobs and set up interviews (if you use a VPN on your personal device they can't see what you're browsing when using the mifi). It probably helped that I had non-railroad experience and a highly marketable college degree.
Don't give notice when you quit and wait until after you've been paid to make your move.
UP s—s. Pls quit complaining and get another job. It will do us all a world of good. We are, basically, sick and tired of the complaints. Just give up and get out. I promise, you will be glad you did.
Change is the scariest things humans have to endure. Knowing that, we can thrust forward and pound though adversity. Give up, and get another job! Screw UP!
I know so many managers that always talked a good game about they were “quitting after I get my bonus”. They stuck around at UP and are still miserable. A few were forced to go back on their seniority. Stop being a victim and get a new job like the rest of us.
From what I read in the OP comments, three people were doing the job that one can do. Because no matter what anyone says, one person can only do the work of one person. That’s physics.
Looking for another job is great if you are young and don't have a lit of time invested. But if you have spent 3/4 of your life here and broken down over the years, it's not really an option. What happened to "Long and faithful service"? By the way it's in the agreement contract. Seems to me that someone should be trying to enforce or police all of the laws,agreements, and etc. Why am I still paying "dues"? Where is the FRA? What a joke.
I dreaded the thought of getting laid off and when they tapped me on the shoulder and walked me out, it was not as bad as I thought. Now, I don’t care what anyone says, it is a traumatic experience to buy into a culture and company and then have someone tell you you’re never eligible for rehire and to not go back to your desk or say goodbye or come back on UP property ever again. That messes with your mind. However, I am definitely happier where I am and I take home a little more now as well.
I really do believe I’m one of the lucky ones. Finding a good job with similar pay and stashing the severance is a blessing. I know that may not be the case for all, but it worked out for me and many I know that also got told to go away.
I dont understand why everyone complains and still works here. At this point in the psr debacle you have to assume you are going to loose your job no matter what. I know it s—s to loose job security like this but let's face the facts. Every railroad is slashing jobs. Most people are here for the retirement. It is only a matter of time before the rrb has to cut benefits or raise what you pay in to keep it going. With the automation goes and look at the history of the railroads the manpower numbers are only going to get smaller. Start a 401k if you haven't and try to find a job that treats you like a human.
I dont know why people are crying and still have a job
Well you can still pay your bills so I’d say they got the worst end of the deal. But you can always quit and get a new job and then you’ll actually be one of the lucky ones.
They will continue to increase your work load to the point nobody can cover your job when you go on vacation. So, either you have a working vacation or twice the work when you get back from your time off. In either case you’ll still be responsible for for anything that doesn’t get done or incorrectly. Good luck!
Personally, I would start looking. Why waste time with a loser company that is rated the worst company in the US?
You could always find a new job before they cut you off too. Get them before they get you.