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The U.S. Class I workforce had increased every month from January to May, but that streak is over, according to the latest Surface Transportation Board employment data

As of mid-June, the large roads employed a total of 166,722 people, down 0.7 percent compared with mid-May’s level and 0.6 percent compared with the workforce in June 2006.

The Class Is’ transportation (other than train and engine service) workforce of 7,065 people posted the largest declines, falling 1.9 percent compared with mid-May and 4.4 percent compared with June 2006. The transportation (T&E) workforce shrunk to 69,298, a 1.6 percent month-over-month decrease and 2.3 percent year-over-year decline.

Meanwhile, executives, officials and staff assistants as of mid-June totaled 10,152, a 3.8 percent year-over-year increase but a 0.2 percent drop compared with mid-May. Vice versa, professional and administrative ranks totaling 13,984 increased 1.3 percent month over month but decreased 0.3 percent compared with June 2006.

The maintenance of equipment and stores staff totaled 30,568, a 0.3 percent decline compared with May but 1.7 percent gain year over year.

Only the maintenance-of-way and structures workforce, which totaled 35,655, posted monthly and yearly gains. The ranks increased 0.1 percent compared with May and 0.5 percent compared with June 2006.