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The U.S. Class workforce registered a small gain from July to August after posting two-straight month-over-month declines.

As of mid-August, the large roads employed a total of 166,943 people, representing a 0.5 percent increase compared with mid-July's level, according to Surface Transportation Board data. However, the workforce shrunk 0.6 percent on a year-over-year basis.

Three employment groups posted gains from July: transportation (train and engine service) crews increased 1.5 percent to 69,801; the maintenance-of-way and structures workforce increased 0.3 percent to 35,743; and the number of executives, officials and staff assistants rose 0.1 percent to 10,199. Compared with August 2006 counts, the T&E workforce declined 2.2 percent, MOW and structures workforce increased 0.5 percent and executive ranks rose 2 percent.

Professional and administrative staff totaling 13,855 declined 1.4 percent compared with mid-July's level, but increased slightly year over year. Likewise, maintenance of equipment and stores workers numbering 35,743 decreased 0.2 percent from mid-July and increased 1.3 percent from August 2006.

Only the transportation (other than T&E) workforce registered declines from the previous month and year. Totaling 7,003, the workforce decreased 0.4 percent compared with mid-July's level and 4 percent compared with August 2006's count.