Report: Union Pacific's board is majority diverse

Union Pacific Railroad achieved a majority diverse board — 60% — for the first time in 2022, according to the Class I's second annual diversity report, “We Are One,” which highlights the railroad’s diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) initiatives for the year.

UP plans to diversify its workforce by doubling its representation among U.S. women by 2030, company officials said in a press release.

The report also cites UP’s "historic" wage increases of 24% for craft professionals, pushing the average annual railroader salary to $110,000 by 2024, company officials said. The railroad exceeded its hiring goals during the year, helped by incentives of up to $50,000 for new hires in some markets. Plus, the Class I reported progress on its goal to double the number of women in its workforce and increase people of color representation to 40%.

"Union Pacific is committed to supporting the transition to a more sustainable future, one that fosters diverse and inclusive environments, provides innovative economic solutions, pursues clean air and plentiful water supplies, and improves the quality of life for everyone," said Beth Whited, executive vice president of sustainability and strategy, and chief human resource officer. "The achievements highlighted in the report showcase our efforts to create an attractive workplace that inspires current employees to build fulfilling careers and attracts new team members."

Last year, UP was the only railroad to earn a 100% score on The Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s Corporate Equality Index for LGBTQ+ equality. It ranked highly amid several other surveys involving a diverse workforce, including being named a “best place to work for disability inclusion” by Disability:IN and a "best company to work for" across the women, diversity and millennials categories for the Women’s Choice Awards.