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After decreasing in July, the total number of U.S. Class I employees rose in August. As of mid-August, the large roads employed 168,009 people, a 1.5 percent increase compared with mid-July’s level, according to Surface Transportation Board data. The Class Is’ ranks also rose 2.9 percent compared with August 2005’s total employment.

Transportation (train and engine service) staff posted the largest month-over-month increase, rising 3.4 percent to 71,340 compared with mid-July’s total. The workforce segment swelled 4.3 percent compared with August 2005 data.

Executives, officials and staff assistants increased 1.6 percent to 10,001 compared with mid-July’s ranks and rose 5.5 percent compared with August 2005’s total.

In addition, maintenance of way and structures, and maintenance of equipment and stores workforces rose in August, reaching 35,566 (up 0.3 percent) and 29,957 (up 0.1 percent), respectively, by mid-month. On a year-over-year basis, the workforce segments increased 3.1 percent and 0.3 percent, respectively.

Meanwhile, the total number of professional and administrative staff decreased 1.5 percent to 13,850 compared with mid-July, but increased 1.4 percent compared with August 2005. The transportation (other than T&E) workforce of 7,295 declined 0.3 percent compared with mid-July’s total and 1.8 percent compared with August 2005’s level.