It might be noted that, years ago, nearly all RRs were unionized, even shortlines, which had different rates of pay and workrules, but the same access to representation and due process. Some 60 percent of shortlines today are unionized and the number is growing, their workers having found out the hard way that idle promises made when a line was sold were just lies. Shortlines do not and sometimes cannot have the same pay rates and work rules as Class Ones, that's understandable, but the basic rights to seniority and due process must be in place. The only way to really have that is with a union contract, as the most benevolent company policies for "at will" (non-union) workers"may be changed at any time, without notice, legally.