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U.S. Class Is' workforce edged a bit closer to 150,000 last month. As of mid-April, the large roads employed 149,749 people, up 1.2 percent from March’s level, according to Surface Transportation Board (STB) data. However, the workforce shrank 2.9 percent on a year-over-year basis.

The maintenance-of-way and structures workforce of 34,202 registered the largest month-over-month gain at 2.2 percent, but decreased 3.3 percent compared with April 2009’s count. Transportation (train and engine) ranks totaling 58,814 increased 1.7 percent on a month-over-month basis and remained flat on a year-over-year basis.

The other workforce segments that registered month-over-month gains were transportation (other than T&E), which rose 0.9 percent to 6,473, and maintenance-of-equipment and stores, which increased 0.5 percent to 28,170. However, the segments shrank 7.4 percent and 4.9 percent, respectively, compared with April 2009 levels.

The number of executives, officials and staff assistants as of mid-April  fell to 8,935, down 0.7 percent vs. March’s count and a whopping 11 percent vs. April 2009’s level. Meanwhile, professional and administrative staff numbered 13,155, down 0.7 percent on a month-over-month basis and 2.1 percent on a year-over-year basis.

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