"IMHO morale is worse this year because the employees were expecting some changes that the RGRPC apparently can't afford- like raises and benefits."
Jay, I suspect you have come pretty close to the truth. The problem is, where is the money going to come from?
I was just reading in today's paper, that visits to theme parks nationwide are down 7% to 15%. Hotel reservations in Orlando (Disneyworld) are down 15% from last year. If the C&TS is posting increases this year, maybe it's because with more advertising and extra fare cars they are making a little progress in spite of a declining market. It doesn't sound like there is going to be a big surplus at the end of the season for the employees to share in though.
Long term, what is the potential for the railroad making enough that the year 'round employees can get insurance and retirement benefits?