UP publishes annual sustainability progress report

(Source: Progressive Railroading 05/29/2020)

Union Pacific Railroad yesterday published its 2019 Building America report that highlights the company’s progress toward meeting social, economic and environmental initiatives.

The report outlines the company’s assessment results detailing subjects such as customer service and satisfaction, rail safety and maintenance, and employment practices.

“We’ve taken measurable steps to enhance customer communication, and we invest billions annually in our capital program to strengthen infrastructure, and we are dedicated to engaging employees and cultivating a work environment that celebrates diversity,” said Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer Lance Fritz in a press release.

Among goals outlined in the report are UP’s effort to create a more diverse and inclusive workplace. Women make up 5.5 percent of the railroad’s total workforce, but UP is working to double the representation of women to 11 percent by 2030.

“To have the best employees, we can’t overlook any segment of the population,” said Chief Human Resource Officer Beth Whited. “Businesses such as ours face a growing shortfall of skilled trade workers due to fewer people choosing to learn a trade. We’re looking at potential barriers for women in this line of work and finding solutions to these roadblocks.”

Gender equality is one of the United Nation’s 17 sustainable development goals (SDGs). UP’s report also outlines the company’s commitment to seven SDGs, including gender equality.