RWU Campaign Against Further “Class-One” Railroad Mega-Mergers

In 1980, there were roughly 40 Class One rail carriers in the United States. Today there are only six. If Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern have their way, that number will be just five by sometime in 2026. More than likely, the remaining two U.S. based giants - BNSF and CSX - would then merge, making for just four Class One rail carriers handling the vast majority of freight - not just in the U.S. - but across Canada and Mexico as well, the entirety of North America. And unlike other modes of transport (trucking, inland waterway and airline traffic, etc.) these giant and very powerful corporations own the infrastructure - mainlines, yards, buildings, bridges, etc. - as well.

A number of shipper associations, rail passenger advocacy groups, unions, and environmental organizations are speaking out against further mergers in the rail industry. Railroad Workers United (RWU) is proud to join them in this fight and do what we can to thwart further consolidation and monopolization of our industry. In addition to not being in the interests of those mentioned above, the proposed UP - NS combination is not in the interest of railroad workers, plain and simple. RWU stands squarely and unequivocally opposed to this merger.

The map aove is what the nation's largest railroad would look like if the UP - NS merger proceeds