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After across-the-board employment gains in November, U.S. Class Is registered a few workforce declines in December, according to Surface Transportation Board (STB) data.

As of mid-December, the large roads employed 154,400 people, down 0.4 percent compared with November’s level. However, on a year-over-year basis, the workforce grew 5.2 percent.

Professional and administrative staff numbering 13,474 in mid-December posted the largest month-over-month drop at 2.8 percent. But compared with December 2009’s level, the workforce segment increased 1.3 percent.

The transportation (other than train and engine) workforce of 6,536 declined 1.8 percent from November’s level and 0.1 percent from December 2009’s count. Maintenance-of-way and structures workers numbering 34,614 decreased 1.6 percent vs. the previous month’s total, but swelled 6 percent vs. the year-ago level.

Meanwhile, the transportation (train and engine) workforce in mid-December numbered 62,067, up 0.4 percent from November’s count and 9.2 percent from December 2009’s level. The number of executives, officials and staff assistants stood at 9,174, up 0.3 percent month over month and 1.2 percent year over year.

Also posting gains vs. both time periods: the maintenance of equipment and stores workforce, which as of mid-December reached 28,535. The workforce increased 0.5 percent from November’s mark and 0.7 percent from December 2009’s level.

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