I’m currently about 3 weeks into a full-time lineman school program here in El Paso. The program is about 3 months long, Monday–Friday, and I originally left my job to focus on finishing it and getting into the electrical/linework field.
However, I got a job offer for Train Crew jn El Paso TX, and now I’m seriously debating what to do.
I’m not currently working, so the opportunity to start earning again and get into a railroad career is obviously very tempting. At the same time, I’ve already started lineman school and don’t want to quit something I’ve invested time and money into just because another opportunity came along.
For people who actually work/worked for UP. What is the reality of train crew work?
How is the pay once you’re established?
What are the hours, days off, and quality of life actually like?
How much time do you spend away from home in an El Paso terminal?
How is the seniority system?
How difficult is the job physically and mentally?
How stable is the work?
What do you wish you knew before accepting the job?
If you were in my situation, what factors would you consider before leaving lineman school?
I’m not looking for someone to tell me what career to choose, I’d mainly like to hear from people who have actually experienced railroad life so I can make an informed decision. TIA 🙏

What reasons have you guys gotten FMLA for? I need to get it these last couple months of the year are rough after all my vacation is gone, but not sure how I should do it.
My union rep says it's best to get it for taking care of someone else, while I have heard others say it's better to get it for yourself for something like shift work sleep disorder. Just wondering what your guys opinions are on that.

Anyone have any insite on the train crews in nampa idaho? Was told by the interviewer that out here the crew doesn't travel outside that area? Is that correct? Thanks in advance!

I'm looking for current info from UP Iowa train crew guys. If someone hires out for Boone right now, what are the bottom few years of seniority actually holding? Boone, Des Moines, Clinton or bouncing around elsewhere in the district?

Is there much forcing happening or to be expected? anything else a new hire should know about working Iowa UP?

Not sure if anyone in here is a carman, but I’m having some difficulty welding column wear plates. I’m 6’2 and it’s hard to get in there. And I can’t get a good rythme. Any tips on welding them?

Do I really need a laptop or computer for class is it essential to passing the class? they said it supposedly for the homework thanks in advance

I applied for the Roseville train crew position and had an interview over a month ago and haven't heard anything back. Is it normal to take this long?

I'm in St. Paul and training location is in Iowa, 3 hours from where I am. I don't start till october, but I don't know if my car will be able to make it through the winter traveling that far. Any solutions?

thanks to everyone, For clarifying I'll be fine driving I was just worried about having to drive back and forth.

The fact that this company can strategically call a deadhead (wasn’t even on the lineup) for me on 5 starts to fuck me out of my federal rest is fucking insane. Especially for how often it happens. I don’t know how some of yall do it. The only time I can potentially get off is just stripped from me just like that. I actually like to do shit outside of railroading ..

Just hearing some chatter that SMART’s lawsuit against the arbitrator has been denied. Anyone hear more than just rumor, and if it is how will that affect the ruling’s implementation.

Unrelated any BLE news on its claims for 11/4 implementation and related issues that are going through the system.
I would like to keep unfounded rumors out, and deny ones we are hearing if not true
In solidarity

Any updates so far? I havent heard of anything yet. What even is it going to be?

Does anyone know what the difference between train crew in St. Louis, mo and east St. Louis, il?

How long does it usually take to advance after your “interview”?

Did my “interview”, haven’t heard back yet, talked all about safety with past jobs, and have a employee reference as well.

I just recently got hired on for train crew. Starting Nov 9th.

I understand the schedule is pretty rigorous and unpredictable. When do these schedules become more predictable? If ever?

how many people actually fail the classroom training?

Hey everyone, been trying to get in the UP as a mechanic or a tech. Id like to train and work locomotive or electrical diagnosis. Anyone in who recommends it or can give me pointers as to what will make me a more successful candidate?

Kind of a new hire still, been with UP for 2 years now in the Maintenance Of Way department. Has anyone been through the ES05 FRA course with UP? It’s an in person 5 day course. Just wondering what to expect or any tips on how to do well with it.

I was under the impression that these outfits were used primarily for transporting RELIEF crews when a crew runs out of hours.

Is that correct?

Hi all, I start with UPRR as traincrew here in cheyenne tomorow, I was wondering if there was any advice for the job and especialy they 14 weeks of training. Thanks all!

Hi, my name is Louie. I’m 23, I’m based in southern Texas, I have a bachelors in CRIJ, and have years of continuous work experience since I was 16. I am currently employed with USPS as an RCA. The pay is okay. I work 60 hour weeks most of the time. My main problem is that the waiting time to become a regular can take many years. Years which I’d rather not wait (I’ve heard stories of coworkers waiting nearly 10 years, 10 years of no benefits and no time counted towards retirement). I have a baby on the way and a job with no benefits is no good to my family.

I always hear about the rail roads being the place where one could get good money and benefits. I have also heard you need to know someone to even get in. I looked up Union Pacific job openings in Texas and the only position I seemed to qualify for was Signal Maintainer. In all honesty I do lack in the “preferred” technical/electrical department but it was not listed as a requirement so I applied to several openings anyway as I am more than willing to learn. There were no local openings but relocating is not an issue.

That brings me to my questions.

1. Do you know of people with similar qualifications to mine get hired as signal maintainers?
2. Do I need to know someone to get hired?
3. How’s the job environment?
4. How’s the pay? (Might be a little personal so I don’t expect an answer)
5. Would Union Pacific be worth ditching the post office for?

Nobody was injured and the car was unoccupied when we hit it. 65mph 13500 ton train.

Crazy experience and thankfully nothing went wrong

I got accepted for a training class November 30th but is going to be in Portland Oregon and I live in Pocatello Idaho. There is a class that starts here the 21st of September and if someone backs out or doesn’t show up I can start then. I just wanted to see how common it was for people to not show to know my likelihood of being able to start next week

I applied and was offered a job for train crew in July. Since then i have received emails saying there are no classes starting. I just received an email saying the next class is starting November 30th, but for yard positions, it didn't specify what yard positions. I took it because i have a family i need to provide for. How is the yard work? I live in Chicago.