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102 Democrats Demand Labor Protections in UP-NS Merger Review

More than 100 House Democrats have urged the Surface Transportation Board to prioritize worker protections in its evaluation of the proposed $85 billion Union Pacific–Norfolk Southern merger. The deal would create the nation's largest transcontinental freight railroad. The Sept. 3 letter, coordinated with the Teamsters Rail Conference, comes as the STB enters the next review phase. The lawmakers demand the board fully assess the deal's impact on jobs, safety and accountability before approval. Union Pacific's offer of lifetime employment for union members remains insufficient, according to the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen. The Democrats warn a merged railroad could exercise monopolistic control over pricing, harming consumers and shippers. The merger application faces additional opposition from state attorneys general and anti-merger coalitions. The STB set a Nov. 18 deadline for comments and protests.