STB: U.S. Class I workforce grew in October

In mid-October, U.S. Class Is employed a total 148,719 people, up 0.37 percent over mid-September and 1.62 percent over October 2017, according to Surface Transportation Board employment data.

On a month-over-month basis, only the professional and administrative workforce category declined — down 0.35 percent to 11,811 people. The other five categories registered the following gains: executives, officials and staff assistants, up 0.96 percent to 8,495 employees; maintenance of way and structures, up 0.19 percent to 32,556; maintenance of equipment and stores, up 0.96 percent to 27,370; transportation (other than train and engine), up 0.79 percent to 5,707; and transportation (train and engine), up 0.22 percent to 62,780.

On a year-over-year basis, two categories showed declines: professional and administrative, down 3.16 percent; and maintenance of way and structures, down 2.15 percent.

Categories that reflected increases year over year were: executives, officials and staff assistants, up 3.38 percent; maintenance of equipment and stores, up 3.02 percent; transportation (other than T&E), up 0.72 percent; and transportation (T&E), up 3.9 percent.