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In October, the U.S. Class I workforce decreased on a month-over-month basis for the third-straight time. But on a year-over year basis, the workforce grew, and all employment segments save for one posted gains.

As of mid-October, the Class Is employed 164,025 workers, down 0.8 percent compared with mid-September's total and up 1.1 percent from October 2007’s count, according to Surface Transportation Board data.

Transportation (train and engine) ranks totaling 67,507 posted the largest year-over year gain at 2.2 percent. However, the workforce segment decreased 1.6 percent from September’s level. Transportation (other than train and engine) ranks totaled 6,633, up 0.5 percent from September’s count and down 4.3 percent from October 2007’s total.

Executives, officials and staff assistants in mid-October numbered 10,094, representing a 0.2 percent rise vs. September’s level but 0.2 percent drop from October 2007’s count. Professional and administrative staff totaling 13,430 declined 0.7 percent on a month-over-month basis and 2.8 percent year over year.

Meanwhile, maintenance of equipment and stores workers in mid-October numbered 30,310, up 0.5 percent from September’s level and down 0.1 percent from October 2007’s total. The maintenance of way and structures staff increased 0.4 percent from the previous month’s total to 36,051, but decreased 1.5 percent on a year-over-year basis.