UP ramps up hiring efforts

(Source: Progressive Railroading 09/02/2021)

Union Pacific Railroad announced it is among U.S. employers actively hiring as the nation’s economy continues to improve.

The Class I is soliciting applicants for more than 50 job openings across its system, with more openings anticipated in the coming months, according to a report on UP’s website.

Finding new employees “has never been more competitive or sometimes difficult,” reported Ken Kuwamura, senior manager of talent acquisition at UP.

“Other industries, like entertainment, trucking, education, medical and construction, also are experiencing similar challenges,” he wrote.

Adding to the hiring challenge is a commitment the railroad made to improve its workplace diversity. By 2030, UP has said it will increase representation of women in its workforce to 11%, doubling its current population, and has a goal of increasing its minority workforce to 40%.

“We’ve included several working groups across the company to focus on many different issues that all ultimately lead back to making our work environment one that attracts many candidates from diverse families, backgrounds and experiences,” Kuwamura wrote.

In addition, UP has put in place an incentive program for current transportation employees to relocate to some of the areas in need of workers.

“The program has been a huge success and will soon be rolled out to the other crafts at Union Pacific,” said Kuwamura.