Did You Know Nearly Two Dozen Rail Jobs Are Being Eliminated in Maine?

This is one of those situations that quietly affects a tone of people and they’re families across the entire state of Maine. CSX Transportation is eliminating nearly two dozen rail jobs in the state. CSX is one of the biggest rail companies in the country and this will take affect March 1st.  

As per the article, Union officials say that this all came as a shock and many of the employees affected work out of the Waterville Engine House and Back Shop and are members of several unions, including IAM Local 318.

According to union leaders, the workers had consistently been told they were doing strong, reliable work, and this announcement as been a bit of a shock.  

As per the article, the company confirmed that it was relocation 21 mechanical positions from Waterville facilities in New York and Maryland. The workers impacted have been given two options either relocate and continue working for them or accept a separation package based on their years of service.  

Rail Jobs on the Line: What’s Happening in Waterville

As for the options, for many, relocation isn’t realistic and a large number of the workers are in their 50s, which means a new career at that stage of life isn’t an easy thing to consider doing. That is exactly why this choice has been called a “tough blow” for Maine. 

The railways in our state have been a steady part of our workforce.

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CSX does operate thousands of miles of track across North America and continues to invest in rail infrastructure. This move is leaving so many guessing what’s next and why jobs here couldn’t just stay here.