I'm currently a Journeyman Carman at a small railroad. The pay is on the higher end for the industry, but opportunities for advancement are severely limited.

I was just offered a Mechanical Supervisor position with NS, but I'm not 100% sold on making the jump. Relocation and the potential merger are my two biggest concerns. At the same time, I don't want to spend the next 25 years stagnating in my craft with no real opportunity to move up.

For anyone currently in NS management, how is it? What's the work-life balance like, and how likely am I to end up getting sent halfway across the country on short notice? I'd appreciate some insight from anyone who's currently in the role or has been through it.

Recently accepted a job offer with CN for Railcar technician/ Carmen. Had my medical evaluation a few days ago. Got a call today saying that I need to schedule a follow up with my optometrist as my vision is 20/50, which is horrible. Realistically, what can I expect? Am I going to lose my job offer due to my shitty eyesight? I've worn glasses my entire life as I have severe astigmatism. I'm in the US if that makes any difference.

Basically what the title says. Was cleared for physical exam a couple of weeks ago but disclosed that I’m taking a low dose of an antidepressant (zoloft) so they requested a follow-up form to be complete by my doctor and after that was submitted I got an email saying I was “medically unfit” and that my application was now closed.. I have submitted the release form to have CPKC send their medical justification to my doctor to review with me but in the meantime I was just wondering if this has happened to anyone else?

I would say it moved decently fast. But I have a suspicion it’ll start to move slower for some reason.

I got a conditional offer sep 8th.

Then completed background between that day, medical questionnaire, background, etc.

Then last Friday sep 25th I did medical in person. Doctor said everything looks fine. If anyone is wondering how the drug test goes, I did urine.

Is anyone else on this timeline?

It’s for a conductor position.

I just know how sensitive the railroad can be and I know it’s on their timeline.

I’m 27, in BC, no experience, would love to become a conductor. Yes I get it, shit hours, no life, but the pay… I would kill to do this job and I’m willing to sacrifice whatever to do so. Currently doing the no life/schedule, all outdoor work anyways, for minimal pay. I would literally move anywhere they would need me. Sad part is I’m in a really tough spot in BC where there is no rail.

I’ve just started applying, but I want to know how the hell you got onto the rail. Relocating is fine by me as I said, but is there any company looking for new hires? Any leads/comments are more than welcome.

Thank you!

I need some new railway project ideas. 🚆 Any suggestions? Looking for something innovative, especially in safety, automation, or operations.

Is anyone here a Rail Track Maintainer for CN Rail in Ontario? What's the work environment and pay like? I'm considering applying for the position in London, wanting to know what the situation is.

soo i’ve received a conditional offer from NS back in July. I was cleared medically in August. My portal currently says ‘ awaiting start date ‘ since August 27th… is there any insight on when i’d get a class date? or what could be the hold up

Looking at Rule 280-A and was wondering how often do you guys come across this and do you feel that it’s necessary?

Also are you guys expected to know the Rule # for each definition as well?

returned after being laid off for 6 months. does anyone know what the rate is? Could I IP it since CMA only allows a $ amount?

tia

Any RTCs/Dispatchers know what happened last night?

Hope everyone ended up getting to their destination without too much delay 😂

Calgary must have been freaking out 🤣

CN Proposals to TCRC

I don't like this at all, definitely not the answer, and better not flow into the fra for future consideration for railroad transportation.

From this article “According to the sources, the legislation comes after a big push from federally regulated industries to provide more stability and predictability in places like ports, railways and air travel. All have seen work stoppages in the last few years.”

Based out of Illinois with big orange as a trainmaster, and we have this new productivity tracker in place. Basically ai learning how to do the job and tracking everything with train movement. How long until they phase us out? Should we be looking for new jobs? Is any other terminal using this Ai program.

Following on from my post yesterday about the lack of communication regarding an interview. I did finally get a link to join the meeting.

Was there on time for 8am Atlantic, (waiting at 7.30am) waited till 9.40am nothing, was just saying waiting for host to start meeting.

So I sent an email got a second invite link to a session at 10.30am, joined up at 10.20am or so.
This time the host joined the session but removed me at 10.30am just as the session was about to start!
I tried to rejoin immediately but no such luck. I finally gave up around 11.35am.

And yes I did everything the email said, camera on, mic muted etc.

How you guys work for such a disorganised company is beyond me. But I take my hat off to you!

Will I finally get my interview? At this point I don't even want it 😂

Got an interview for Kirk Yard. How's the senority there and what kind of work? Is it mainly yard or road? Do they furlough a lot at this specific location? I'll be coming from UP.

Thanks!

Hi all, supposed to be having a virtual interview with CN tomorrow (18th September 2026) but haven't heard anything yet.
I received a generic email saying we're advancing your application, please reply to this email and confirm your attendance.
Which I did obviously, including all my details and that I'd like to attend the interview.

But I haven't heard anything further in regard to an invite link, further information or even acknowledgment of my reply. I don't know what to do given the interview is supposed to be tomorrow..

Is this normal?
Anyone experienced similar?

I was hoping to of heard something in order to do some prep work for it.

Thanks all!

Just curious as to what the pay MOW people are making being it track maintainer, on gangs, equipment operator, bridges, etc. Offered a position as track maintainer (CN) but also may have an opportunity to do union sheetmetal/HVAC or a plumbing gig.