Arts and Humanities | Open Access Articles | Digital Commons Network™

Why I Quit The Railroad, Linda Niemann Sep 2006

Why I Quit The Railroad, Linda Niemann

Linda G. Niemann

The article presents the author's reasons for leaving her job in the railroad industry. She wasn't thrilled to be force-assigned to the foreman's spot on Union Pacific's Lawrence switcher. Being the junior switchman on the California coast for years, she was used to jobs that weren't so plum. What made it tough were a difficult yardmaster and her help, a switchman who outranked her but didn't want the responsibility of the foreman's spot.

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The Lord Of The Night, Linda Niemann Aug 2006

The Lord Of The Night, Linda Niemann

Linda G. Niemann

The article presents the author's reflection on the management of Southern Pacific after it was acquired by Union Pacific (UP). The year preceding the UP merger, 1995, everyone tried to earn the maximum they could in preparation for whatever union-negotiated guarantee would come down the pike. Downsizing hit this system hard. The union contract did away with the system seniority that provided trainmen the freedom to work anywhere on the railroad.

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Wendy And The Lost Boys On The Lawrence Switcher, Linda Niemann Mar 2005

Wendy And The Lost Boys On The Lawrence Switcher, Linda Niemann

Linda G. Niemann

Recounts an experience as a switchman in Southern Pacific. Duties and responsibilities as a switchman; Career opportunities provided by the job; Lessons learned from railroad jobs.

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Boomer In A Boom Town, Linda Niemann May 2004

Boomer In A Boom Town, Linda Niemann

Linda G. Niemann

Presents an article about a woman working as a brakesman/switchman on the Southern Pacific Railroad in Houston, Texas. Events that led her to Houston; Her function as railroad woman; Challenges faced by workers on the railroad.

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The Hospital Yard, Linda Niemann Dec 2002

The Hospital Yard, Linda Niemann

Linda G. Niemann

Presents an article on working at a small switching yard in San Jose, California. Reason for thinking the switching yard as a hospital yard; Description of the yard; Details on workers at the yard.

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Too Racy For The Smithsonian, Linda Niemann Jan 2000