U.S. Class I workforce shrank a smidgen in May

As of mid-May, U.S. Class Is employed 172,943 people, down 0.7 percent from the same point in April, but up 4.1 percent versus May 2014's count, according to Surface Transportation Board employment data.

On a month-over-month basis, only two workforce segments posted gains: maintenance-of-way and structures, up 1.1 percent to 38,563, and maintenance of equipment and stores, up 0.2 percent to 31,477. The transportation (train and engine) sector shrank 2.1 percent to 72,168; transportation (other than train and engine) ranks contracted 0.6 percent to 6,677; number of executives, officials and staff assistants dipped 0.4 percent to 9,868; and count of professional and administrative staff members decreased 0.3 percent to 14,190.

Compared with employments levels in May 2014, only the transportation (other than train and engine) segment declined last month, at 1.3 percent. The number of executives, officials and staff assistants was relatively flat while the other four segments posted the following increases: transportation (train and engine), 6.9 percent; maintenance of equipment and stores, 4.7 percent; maintenance-of-way and structures, 2 percent; and professional and administrative staff, 0.6 percent.