The proposed $85 billion mega merger between Union Pacific (UP) and Norfolk Southern (NS), announced in July 2025, aims to create the first U.S. transcontinental freight railroad. It has drawn widespread opposition from not only the BMWED-IBT and other rail labor unions,  but also competing railroads, shippers, trade associations, politicians, and other stakeholders. Combining the two railroads would reduce competition, raise shipping costs, harm service reliability, threaten jobs and safety, and pose risks to supply chains and national security. The Surface Transportation Board (STB) rejected the initial application in January 2026 as incomplete, noting that it failed to address serious concerns.

This merger is bad, not just for our members, but for the rail industry as a whole and the American economy. Experts from Labor, commerce, shippers, trade organizations, and other highly-respected groups are sounding the alarm how this merger is bad, not just for our members, but for the rail industry as a whole and the American economy. As BMWED Government Affairs Director said during his Senate testimony Feb. 6, 2026, “when you’re the only game in town, you make the rules.”

WHO STANDS TO LOSE UNDER THE PROPOSED UP-NS MEGA MERGER:

• RAIL WORKERS

• AGRICULTURE

• OIL AND GAS

• CHEMICAL INDUSTRY

• MANUFACTURERS

• OTHER SHIPPERS, ESPECIALLY SMALLER SHIPPERS

• LOCAL COMMUNITIES

• FIRST RESPONDERS

RELATED MATERIALS

 CONGRESSIONAL LETTERS

 NEWS

The Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes Division (BMWED) is a national union representing the workers who build and maintain the tracks, bridges, buildings and other structures owned and operated by railroads across the United States. The BMWED is a member of the Rail Conference, International Brotherhood of Teamsters.