UP was a hometown favorite where it was almost impossible to get hired without some kind of connection. Layoffs are tarnishing their reputation in Omaha now though. People seem eager to hire UP talent, but it’s not like they’re falling all over themselves to do so. Unfortunately, most think it’s a business downturn because of falling coal demand and not a money grab, but word of greed is getting out.
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I have a few acquaintances from Omaha and they all have family/friends affected by ongoing cuts or have been at least been made aware. Omaha is only around 460k people and the whole state of Nebraska is under 2 millions which is less than most major cities. The UP building stands out in the downtown area and is visible from various venues in the city. So don’t let anyone try to act like UP isn’t a big deal in Omaha. Everyone there knows about UP. Ask someone from Chicago or LA about UP and there’s a 3% chance they’ve heard of it. From what I’ve seen the reputation of UP is on the decline with the locals in Omaha. The local charities will still cash their checks, but it definitely isn’t an employer people strive to work for anymore.
Also, it is known that railroad employees are lazy which is partly the fault of the unions. The railroad isn't necessarily a plus other than it shows you can hold a job. My suggestion would be to get an education and make yourself marketable.
One issue with hiring people from UP is the lack of transferability of their skills. Many of the work processes and procedures they know only apply to a specific railroad, or at best railroads in general.
The UP brand also isn't as marketable as some people think, because it is well known that many people working there are in positions that they would not hold in most other companies because they would not be considered qualified for them.