The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) Union Rail Division has issued a statement regarding Union Pacific’s proposed $85 billion acquisition of Norfolk Southern. The union expressed concerns about the possible effects on community safety, job security, workers’ rights, competition, and the long-term stability of the freight rail industry.
In its statement, the IAM Union Rail Division called for transparency in the regulatory review process overseen by the Surface Transportation Board. “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,” according to the statement.
Union leaders emphasized that their primary focus is on public safety and economic security for members as developments unfold. “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 IAM represents about 600,000 active and retired workers across sectors such as aerospace, defense, airlines, railroad, manufacturing, transit, healthcare, automotive, and others.
