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The U.S. Class I workforce continued to contract as 2009 drew to a close. As of mid-December, the workforce stood at 146,725, down 0.3 percent from November’s level and 9 percent from December 2008’s count, according to Surface Transportation Board (STB) data.

Transportation (train and engine) workers numbered 56,833, up 0.7 percent from the previous month’s total, but down 12.5 percent from the year-ago count. At 6,545, the number of transportation (other than T&E) workers decreased 0.2 percent from November’s level and 2.8 percent from December 2008’s total.

The maintenance-of-way and structures workforce of 32,646 fel1 2.7 percent on a month-over-month basis and 6.6 percent on a year-over-year basis. Maintenance-of-equipment and stores workers numbered 28,344, up 0.7 percent from November’s level, but down 8 percent from December 2008’s count.

Meanwhile, executives/officials/staff assistants totaled 9,063, down 0.2 percent from the previous month’s total and 10.7 percent from the year-ago level. The professional and administrative staff essentially was flat vs. November’s count at 13,294, but the segment declined 2 percent on a year-over-year basis.

For more STB workforce data as of mid-December, follow this link to download a pdf file.