STB: Class I employment dipped in April

Class Is employed 149,107 workers in the United States as of mid-April, down 0.14 percent compared with mid-March and down 2.64 percent from the year-ago figure, according to the Surface Transportation Board (STB).

Of the six employment categories, half reported decreases compared with mid-March. They were executives, officials and staff assistants, down 2.5 percent to 8,832 employees; professional and administrative, down 4.04 percent to 12,671; and maintenance of equipment and stores, down 0.28 percent to 27,849.

Reflecting increases compared with mid-March were maintenance of way and structures, up 0.35 percent to 34,218 workers; transportation (other than train and engine), up 0.09 percent to 5,849; and transportation (train and engine), up 0.84 percent to 59,688.

On a year-over-year basis, most categories reflected decreases. Executives, officials and staff assistants were down 5.35 percent; professional and administrative, down 8.21 percent; maintenance of way and structures, down 5.45 percent; maintenance of equipment and stores, down 4.19 percent; and transportation (other than train and engine), down 6.15 percent.

Transportation (train and engine) was the only category to post an increase in employment on a year-over-year basis. Employment in that category rose 2 percent over the period.