CSX to trim Stanley Yard operations, lay off 34 workers

CSX is reducing operations at its Stanley Yard in Toledo, Ohio, which will result in the elimination of 34 union positions, the Class I said yesterday.

CSX is closing the Stanley classification hump yard as part of the company's "ongoing efforts to be more efficient and reduce operating costs," CSX spokeswoman Gail Lobin said in an email.

"The decision to make these reductions follows a review of Toledo-area operations," said Lobin. "CSX has determined that by changing the way rail-cars are sorted at Stanley Yard, it will be able to process trains more efficiently, which will result in better service to our customers."

The yard will continue to reassemble trains with switching locomotives, which will leave about 40 employees working in Stanley, according to The Toledo Blade.

The company expects 360 CSX employees will remain in the Toledo region, Lobin said.

The Stanley Yard layoffs come as E. Hunter Harrison settles in as CSX's new chief executive officer. Harrison has said that his goal at CSX will be to reduce costs and increase efficiency.