October 10, 2025
ARLINGTON, TX - On Thursday, October 9, 2025, ATDA President Ed Dowell, Vice President Brandon Denucci, and Executive Assistant to the President David Ursini met with representatives from Union Pacific’s Labor Relations and Operating departments, as well as Norfolk Southern’s Labor Relations Department. The purpose of this meeting was to discuss the proposed acquisition of Norfolk Southern by Union Pacific and its potential impact on ATDA-represented Train Dispatchers. ATDA Leadership emphasized that train dispatchers have historically been uniquely affected by such transactions compared to other crafts, by job abolishments, relocations, and staffing shortages. They also highlighted that the majority of Norfolk Southern Train Dispatchers had recently undergone a significant restructuring and relocation event in 2018 and have expressed concerns about the possibility of being required to relocate again.
Although the meeting was constructive, no agreements were reached between the parties. However, commitments were made to leave open the possibility to continue discussions regarding ATDA’s concerns. President Dowell emphasized, “This meeting validated much of our initial concerns. Securing meaningful commitments from both carriers to ensure that our members’ needs are properly addressed is our priority. We will continue to conduct thorough evaluations of the proposed acquisition by Union Pacific and will comment further at the appropriate time.”
Based on its notice to the Surface Transportation Board (STB), UP-NS’s merger application to the STB is due by January 29, 2026.
