Figures released by the Surface Transportation Board Monday, February 23, 2015, show total Class I railroad employment as of mid-January 2015 rose 1.41% over January 2014 levels, but retreated 3.67% from mid-December 2014 employment numbers.
An employment force of 164,568 in mid-January grew year-over-year primarily due to gains in Transportation (train and engine), up 5.95% and continuing to power overall year-over-year gains. But January's workforce was 6,273 positions smaller than mid-December 2014 levels.
The only other sector gaining ground, year-over-year, was Maintenance of Equipment and Stores, up 1.03%. Otherwise, Transportation (other than train and engine) fell 4.17%, Professional and administrative declined 3.2%, Maintenance of way and structures retreated 2.84%, and Executives, officials, and staff assistants recorded a 2.08% loss.
Measured against December 2014, All six employment categories fell in mid-January, led by Maintenance of way and structures, down 6.36%. Transportation (other than train and engine) fell 4.94%, Professional and administrative declined 4.75%, Executives, officials and staff assistants retreated 3.91%, Transportation (train and engine) slipped 2.51%, and Maintenance of equipment and stores fell 2.26%.