UP designated a 'military friendly' employer

Union Pacific Railroad has earned the 2016 Military Friendly Employer^® designation from Victory Media, the publisher of G.I. Jobs magazine, ranking sixth among the top 100 employers, the Class I announced yesterday.

UP was selected based on the strength of its military recruiting efforts, percentage of new hires with prior military service, veteran retention programs and policies on National Guard and Reserve service, UP officials said in a press release.

So far in 2015, UP has hired nearly 1,000 military veterans, including more than 50 disabled veterans. In 2014, veterans made up about 24 percent of all new hires at the railroad. Veterans comprise about 20 percent of the UP's workforce.

"We are honored to have military veterans performing critical roles in almost every aspect of Union Pacific's operations," said Sherrye Hutcherson, UP's vice president–human resources. "These men and women strengthen our company through proven leadership skills, exceptional teamwork and adaptability."

UP recruits veterans through military transition offices, military education offices, Reserve and National Guard units, career fairs, information sessions, employer panels, resume review assistance and by serving on local  military committees and boards

"Our commitment to recruiting, engaging and supporting veterans as they transition into the civilian workforce is an enduring component of our hiring strategy," Hutcherson said.

The Top 100 Military Friendly Employers for 2016 list also includes CSX Corp. at No. 5, BNSF Railway Co. at No. 17, Norfolk Southern Corp. at No. 81 and CN at No. 90. In the list's transportation category, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority is ranked No. 16 and Amtrak is ranked No. 24.