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After posting month-over-month increases for most of 2011, the U.S. Class I workforce shrunk a smidge in July, according to Surface Transportation Board (STB) data. As of mid-July, the Class Is employed 158,916 people, down 0.3 percent from June’s level. However, the workforce increased 3.8 percent from July 2010’s count.

On a month-over-month basis, the transportation (train and engine) workforce declined 0.9 percent to 63,556, maintenance of equipment and stores staff fell 0.2 percent to 29,078 and number of executives/officials/staff assistants inched down 0.03 percent to 9,328. The other workforce segments posted gains vs. June levels: professional and administrative, up 0.5 percent to 13,893; transportation (other than T&E), up 0.4 percent to 6,695; and maintenance-of-way and structures, up 0.2 percent to 36,366.

On a year-over-year basis, only professional and administrative staff registered a decline at 0.8 percent. The gainers as of mid-July were transportation (T&E), up 5.1 percent; maintenance-of-way and structures, up 3.9 percent; maintenance of equipment and stores, up 3.7 percent; executives/officials/staff assistants, up 3.4 percent; and transportation (other than T&E), up 2.3 percent.

To download a copy of the STB’s employment report for U.S. Class Is as of mid-July, follow this link.