OMAHA, Neb. — Union Pacific has announced an agreement with the National Conference of Firemen and Oilers to ensure job security for members of the union if UP’s proposed merger with Norfolk Southern is approved.
The agreement announced today (Nov. 10, 2025) commits that hundreds of NCFO members employed at the time of the merger will have a job for the length of their careers following the merger, subject to the usual requirements for continued employment.
“The NCFO recognizes this merger presents an opportunity to strengthen long-term stability, expand opportunities for our members, and protect quality jobs for the future,” Michael Pistone, president of the NCFO, said in a press release. “We believe that by combining resources and expertise, this merger will enhance job security, create pathways for member growth, and improve working conditions through sustainable investment and innovation.”
Said UP CEO Jim Vena, “This agreement reaffirms Union Pacific’s promise that all union employees who have a job when the merger closes will have one for life. I want to thank NCFO leaders and all the employees they represent for their service and support.”
UP had previously reached a similar agreement with the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail, and Transportation Workers-Transportation Division, covering SMART-TD members in train and yardmaster service. As a result, SMART-TD has said it will support the UP-NS merger [see “SMART-TD backs UP-NS merger …,” Trains.com, Sept. 22, 2025].
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