Figures released by the Surface Transportation Board on June 17, 2014 show Class I total railroad employment rose 1.13% to 166,097 in mid-May 2014, measured against mid-May 2013, and was up 1.10% from mid-April 2014.
Transportation (train and engine), with 67,508 employees—a 2.41% increase—powered the year-over-year gain, overcoming declines in three employment categories—Professional and Administrative, down 0.41% to 14,098; Maintenance of Equipment and Stores, down 0.20% to 30,066; and Transportation (other than train and engine), down 0.07% to 6,762. T&E also rose 0.84% over mid-April levels. Also aiding the overall monthly gain: Maintenance of Way and Structures, advancing 0.71% to 37,799; and Executives, Officials, and Staff Assistants, up 1.20% to 9,864.