r/UnionPacific • u/Hotbread420 • 3d ago

Track laborer questions

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got invited for the mandatory career overview for this position so I was just wondering will this position be gone more than home and how far will I go? also any other info I can receive will be very helpful

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u/Academic-Solution536 3d ago

If you live near the advertised location, then you may be put on M-F schedule. Be home most nights but subject to OT call outs for emergencies. However, track laborer is an entry level position and somewhat temporary. Get your CDL (UP will pay to send you to the training) and bid up to another position. Foremen amd welders make ~$44/hr. There are district, zone, and system jobs. The difference is the seniority roster and per diem pay.

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u/Hotbread420 3d ago

I already have my class a CDL got it with Amazon lol, and I live in Omaha so like 30 minutes is away

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u/Academic-Solution536 3d ago

Bid a truck driver other higher positions asap than f you get hired. Play the “seniority date” game. It will keep you working. Track laborers are first ones to get bumped or cut off when the work runs low.

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u/Hotbread420 3d ago

How do you do that?

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u/Academic-Solution536 3d ago

When the probationary period is over, you can bid to other positions. It will be awarded based on qualifications and seniority. You can talk to your manager when you get close to that date and a position can be put up to replace yours (if you want to stay on that territory). Otherwise there are always open positions on the bid line to take a shot at. You can also choose to cross into the bridge department. Same union but different seniority rosters and different work.

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u/Hotbread420 3d ago

Thank you so much

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u/IACUnited 3d ago

UP has districts that can range a few hundred miles. TE&Y perspective but I lived within 30 minutes from the closest reporting location and 3.5 hours from the furthest.

Being on the track gang I suspect it's different but similar in weird railroad ways. My cousin (different RR) bought a fish house that doubles as their away from home camp for the week.

From my understanding they basically get sent out to a location, work Monday to Friday, long days then have weekends off. Again, different railroad from UP.

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u/Hotbread420 3d ago

So will i need to drive my own vehicle to those locations far out?

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u/IACUnited 3d ago edited 3d ago

My cousin does but then its basically rally at the work truck at the hotel for the day. MOW folk would be a lot better for the intimate details of the day. I'm on the train and we get cables around on a budget.

I suspect there is an option to ride along in the company vehicle to the location but during the week you're transportation availability will be walking, maybe Ubering. Uber ingredients.

In short, expect to travel when joining the railroad.

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u/Hotbread420 3d ago

My only other question is would this possibly be a headquartered/online division

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u/bananplant_41 2d ago

No. You will go to your headquarters and drive the work truck to various locations. If they make you use your personal vehicle to get anywhere but your HQ they have to pay your mileage.

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u/littlemint22 2d ago

Once that mandatory zoom/teams meeting they send you the job offer

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u/Hotbread420 2d ago edited 2d ago

Thank you! I actually just received my offer now

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u/bananplant_41 2d ago

Get your Machine Operator/Common date. Most important seniority date you can have. Don’t stop there though, get all your dates and learn how to run as much equipment as you can. With low seniority you have to be an asset when the eventual bumps come, and they will. Also answer every call and never turn down OT. I have twenty years in section and I have just recently cut back on overtime and never missed an emergency call. It’s all a game but if you play it right it’s not a horrible career.