STB: Class I employment rose slightly in March

Class Is employed 149,323 workers in the United States as of mid-March, up 0.32 percent since mid-February's employment figure, but down 2.86 percent compared with mid-March 2016, according to the Surface Transportation Board (STB).

Three employment categories reflected workforce decreases in mid-March compared with mid-February. Those categories were executives, officials and staff assistants, down 0.44 percent to 9,058; maintenance of equipment and stores, down 0.05 percent to 27,927; and transportation (other than train and engine), down 0.73 percent to 5,844.

Compared with mid-February, the number of professional and administrative workers rose 0.03 percent to 13,204; maintenance of way and structures, up 0.09 percent to 34,099; and transportation (train and engine), up 0.92 percent to 59,191.

On a year over year basis, all but one category reflected decreases. The number of executives, officials and staff assistants was down 3.36 percent; professional and administrative, down 5.17 percent; maintenance of way and structures, down 5.28 percent; maintenance of equipment and stores, down 4.99 percent; and transportation (other than train and engine), down 5.82 percent.

The number of transportation (train and engine) workers increased 0.62 percent compared with mid-March 2016.