advertisement

---

After declining a tad in August, the U.S. Class I workforce increased a smidge in September, according to recently released Surface Transportation Board (STB) data. As of mid-September, the Class Is employed 154,094 people, up 0.9 percent from August’s level and 3.1 percent from September 2009’s mark.

The transportation (train and engine) workforce numbered 61,444, up 1.8 percent on a month-over-month basis and a robust 8.6 percent on a year-over-year basis. Transportation (other than T&E) ranks totaling 6,601 inched up 0.2 percent from August’s level and rose 1.3 percent from September 2009’s count.

However, the four other workforce segments didn’t register both month-over-month and year-over-year gains. The mid-September total of maintenance-of-way and structures workers stood at 34,995, up 0.5 percent from August’s level but down 0.3 percent from the prior year total, while the total of maintenance of equipment and stores employees numbered 28,216, up 0.6 percent from the previous month’s level and down 0.4 percent from September 2009’s level.

Professional and administrative staff numbered 13,756, down 0.8 percent on a month-over-month basis but up 0.4 percent on a year-over-year basis. Executives/officials/staff assistants numbered 9,082, up 0.7 percent form Augusts’ level and down 1.2 percent from the prior year total.

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