As part of ongoing efforts to foster dialogue with our craft colleagues, the Mechanical team participated in shift change meetings at our Juniata Locomotive Shop in Altoona, Pennsylvania, in June. Leadership along with union officials met in person with Mechanical employees during all three shifts.

During the session, Juniata Locomotive Shop hosted the first live, simulcast of Shop Talk, a highly popular forum that allows all Mechanical employees to ask questions. Along with discussing matters related to safety, productivity and growth, employees saw a video featuring a first glimpse of the Thoroughbred Locomotive painted at the facility last month. These in-person and virtual meetings served as a continuation of Mechanical leadership’s strong commitment to encouraging and maintaining open two-way feedback with Mechanical Department employees.

In addition to Juniata, multiple Mechanical shops were recognized during the meeting for their injury-free records, including the Locomotive (9 years) and Car (6 years) shops at the Oakwood Yard in Detroit.

“All of you take pride in what you do, and your families take pride in what you do,” said Jamie Williams, AVP Mechanical. "That's means a lot when you can come to work every day. I see the work that goes in, I know the effort that comes out and I know that we're going to continue to be the best in the industry.”

During each shift change meeting, as well as the impromptu face-to-face meetings that occurred as the team toured the shop, Mechanical employees had an opportunity to ask questions and provide input on any issue related to operations. Senior labor relations representatives, senior Mechanical leadership, and members of our Safety team were also in attendance.

Union leaders in attendance included general chairmen from the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), International Brotherhood of Boilermakers and Blacksmiths (IBBB). Transportation Workers United (TWU), National Conference of Firemen and Oilers (NCFO), International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers-Mechanical Division (SMART-MD), and Transportation Communication Workers (TCU).