rail

UP and NS Deploy Public Advocacy Platform for Merger Push

Union Pacific launched an online Action Center on May 14 as part of its campaign to advance the proposed merger with Norfolk Southern. The platform enables the public to contact elected representatives about the combination, which the railroads say would establish America's first transcontinental carrier. The companies highlight employment protections, asserting every union worker with a job at merger time will retain employment. The transaction website features seven resource sections covering economic impact, job creation, service reliability, safety and sustainability. Additional pages address competitive benefits, Surface Transportation Board filings and merger news. The railroads have secured backing from major freight companies including Knight-Swift Transportation and Martin Marietta, along with port operators. Labor organizations including SMART-TD, the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, and the National Conference of Firemen & Oilers have also endorsed the combination.