Union Pacific, Norfolk Southern merger faces pushback from signalmen’s union

Dec 22 (Reuters) – A rail workers’ union on Monday opposed Union Pacific’s proposed $85 billion acquisition of Norfolk Southern, warning that the deal could undermine safety and impact the workforce.

The Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen (BRS), which represents about 3,000 members at both companies, said it would continue to engage in the regulatory process and submit formal comments to the U.S. Surface Transportation Board.

BRS President Mike Baldwin said the merger was about expanding corporate power, and not about strengthening the rail network, as it shifts the risk onto workers, communities, and the public.

“The rail industry has been down this road before, and the results were disruptive, dangerous, and costly.”

The proposed merger aimed at forming the country’s first coast-to-coast railroad has faced criticism from unions and rival railroads since its announcement. The Teamsters union, representing nearly 20,000 workers, also opposed the merger last week.

“Every employee with a union job at the time of the merger will continue to have one,” Union Pacific told Reuters in an emailed statement.

Last week, the two U.S. rail operators filed a nearly 7,000‑page merger application with the STB, kicking off the deal’s regulatory review. The two companies have said the deal would allow for faster shipping by cutting handoffs and reducing delays.

(Reporting by Anshuman Tripathy in Bengaluru; Editing by Leroy Leo)