The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) Union Rail Division has announced that it is monitoring Union Pacific’s proposed $85 billion acquisition of Norfolk Southern. The union said the merger could significantly change the freight rail industry, while also raising concerns related to community safety, job security, workers’ rights, competition, and long-term stability.
In a statement, the IAM Union Rail Division called for full transparency during the Surface Transportation Board’s regulatory review process. “The IAM Union Rail Division urges complete transparency throughout the Surface Transportation Board’s regulatory review process and will fight to protect our members’ jobs, rights, and livelihoods. We hope that this merger will value workers over the corporate bottom line.”
Union representatives emphasized their focus on both public safety and protecting economic security for members as the proposal moves forward. “Our priority remains the safety of the public and the economic security of our members. As this proposal progresses, we will use every available resource to hold carriers and regulators accountable.”
The IAM Rail Division includes members from both the Transportation Communications Union (TCU/IAM) and IAM District 19. The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers represents around 600,000 active and retired members across various industries in North America.
