Two unions — the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers, and the Transport Workers Union of America — have announced their opposition to the Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern merger proposed today by the two railroads.
SMART said it will oppose the merger when it goes to the Surface Transportation Board for approval, while the TWU — which represents some Norfolk Southern workers — said it “strongly opposes” the deal and is urging regulators, lawmakers, shippers and unions to block the transaction.
Other unions have also expressed concern about the creation of a coast-to-coast railroad that would cover more than 52,000 miles and employ more than 52,000 people, although few have done so in language as strong as that of TWU International President John Samuelsen. In a statement, he called UP’s safety record “shameful” and said, “There is no world where Union Pacific should be controlling a coast-to-coast rail network. A supersized Union Pacific would be catastrophic for TWU rail workers, shippers, and the safety of millions of Americans who live and work near freight rail lines.”
The TWU represents NS workers, mostly carmen, in locations including Chicago; Cleveland; Pittsburgh; Baltimore; Toledo, Ohio; Elkhart, Ind.; and Harrisburg, Pa.
SMART’s lengthy statement said the union views the merger “with measured skepticism rooted in the real-world impact such consolidation could have on rail workers, safety, service quality, and the long-term health of the freight rail industry.” Among its concerns: the likelihood that this merger would trigger further consolidation: “Both history and logic suggest this would drive higher rates, fewer service options,” and diminished competition.”
The SMART statement also cites a number of concerns about Union Pacific’s approach to business, including a culture that it says “prioritizes aggressive operating ratios over worker and public safety;” “a pattern of disengagement and hostility” in labor relations and discipline; its willingness to lease yards and trackage to non-union shortlines it says is “incompatible with a sustainable, service-oriented freight rail system;” and its willingness to furlough or lay off workers. While it views NS labor practices more positively, it says “folding it into a UP-led structure raises the risk of reversing these advances.”
NS CEO Mark George, in a midday media conference call with UP CEO Jim Vena, said the railroads will address objections to the merger “one by one, but I think as people start to come to understand what we’re putting forward, they’re going to see the benefits — the unions in particular. … Philosophically, we should be able to grow faster and that should result in more jobs. And on top of that, because of our confidence in that, we’re basically guaranteeing the union jobs.”
The presidents of the two unions in the Teamster Rail Conference — Mark Wallace of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen and Tony Cardwell of the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes Division — said they are closely monitoring developments but will withhold further comment “until we have had the opportunity to meet directly with the executive teams of both carriers.
“Those discussions will be critical to evaluating our position on this merger and what effect it may have on rail operations, employment, and public safety,” Wallace and Cardwell said in a joint statement. “Together, our two unions will approach this merger with clear eyes and a firm resolve to protect jobs, rights, and the safety of those who keep this country moving.”
A separate statement by Wallace to BLET members said the union’s immediate priority is concluding the current round of contract negotiations.
“This merger proposal must not become a distraction or an excuse to postpone long-overdue bargaining,” he said. “A prompt and fare resolution to current negotiations will show that both UP and NS truly value their operating crews.”
Also, the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Rail Division said in a statement that the proposed merger “raises serious concerns about community safety, job security/workers’ rights, competition, and long-term industry stability. …
“History shows that less competition is not generally in the interest of workers or customers. Mergers are lengthy processes which should face serious scrutiny concerning the overall impact to the entire railroad industry, its customers and the public communities where these railroads operate. Our members can be assured we will use every resource available to ensure our members’ livelihoods remain the focus of any approved merger.”
The Rail Division includes the Transportation Communications Union and IAM District 19, which earlier today announced a new tentative contract agreement with UP [see “Machinists Union announces …,” Trains News Wire, July 29, 2025].
— Updated at 5:50 p.m. CT to revise earlier article and include statements from TWU and for BLET members. Updated at 7:37 p.m. with additional TWU information.
The concerns of T&E employees are not what they are stating at present. UP upon take over should probably change the location of crew changes away from the present crew change congestion points. So, change crews outside of CHI, STL, MEM, KC, New Orleans. No more having to initiate PTC or maybe even a brake test in those cities.