U.S. Class I workforce up a bit in February

The total headcount at U.S. Class Is increased slightly last month. As of mid-February, the large railroads' workforce stood at 172,195, up 0.42 percent compared with January's total, according to Surface Transportation Board data.

Four of the six workforce categories posted increases versus January's count: maintenance of way and structures, up 1.01 percent to 37,171; executives, officials and staff assistants, up 0.67 percent to 9,986; maintenance of equipment and stores, up 0.45 percent to 31,111; and transportation (train and engine), up 0.39 percent to 73,028.

The two categories that posted declines last month were transportation (other than T&E), down 1.81 percent to 6,607; and professional and administrative, down 0.14 percent.

On a year-over-year basis, the U.S. Class I workforce shot up 6.09 percent last month compared with mid-February 2014. Five categories saw growth: transportation (train and engine), up 10.49 percent; maintenance of equipment and stores, up 4.83 percent; maintenance of way and structures, up 3.05 percent; professional and administrative, up 2.34 percent; and executives, officials and staff, up 1.27 percent.

Transportation (other than T&E) was down 0.62 percent on a year-over-year basis.