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After expanding for a few months, the U.S. Class I workforce shrunk by a tiny margin — less than one-tenth of 1 percent — from July to August, according to Surface Transportation Board (STB) data released yesterday. However, the workforce, which totaled 152,925 as of mid-August, rose 1.9 percent on a year-over-year basis.

Both the transportation (other than train and engine) and executives/officials/staff assistants segments posted 1 percent gains compared with July levels, increasing to 6,612 and 9,112, respectively. Both segments also dropped more than 1 percent vs. August 2009 levels. The maintenance of equipment and stores staff of 28,044 was relatively flat compared with July’s count and down slightly, about 0.7 percent, on a year-over-year basis.

Meanwhile, the transportation (T&E) workforce — which had been growing for most of 2010 — decreased a tad (by 0.1 percent) from July’s level to 60,362, yet remained well ahead of last year’s pace (up 5.6 percent).

Maintenance-of-way and structures ranks in mid-August numbered 34,826, down 0.5 percent on a month-over-month basis and 1 percent on a year-over-year basis. Professional and administrative staff dipped 0.2 percent from July’s level to 13,969, but climbed 3.5 percent from August 2009’s count.

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