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The U.S. Class I workforce contracted slightly last month, according to Surface Transportation Board data. As of mid-August, the large roads employed 161,134 people, down 0.5 percent compared with July's level. But on a year-over-year basis, the workforce increased 0.6 percent.

On a month-over-month basis, four workforce segments posted declines: executives, officials and staff assistants, 10 percent to 8,756; transportation (other than train and engine), 2.8 percent to 6,575; professional and administrative staff, 1.3 percent to 13,716; and maintenance of equipment and stores, 0.2 percent to 29,606. The number of maintenance-of-way and structures employees increased 0.6 percent to 37,352 and number of transportation (T&E) workers rose 0.5 percent to 65,129.

On a year-over-year basis, three segments registered drops and three posted gains. The decliners were executives, officials and staff assistants, 6.5 percent; transportation (other than T&E), 1.9 percent; and professional and administrative staff, 1.2 percent. The gainers were maintenance-of-way and structures, 2.1 percent; maintenance of equipment and stores, 1.3 percent; and transportation (T&E), 1.2 percent.