G.I. Jobs Names Union Pacific One of America's Top Military-Friendly Employers

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Nov 08, 2012, 08:44 ET

OMAHA, Neb., Nov. 8, 2012 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- G.I. Jobs named Union Pacific Railroad one of America's top military-friendly employers for 2013, marking the 10th time in 11 years that one of the nation's premier career guides for military job seekers recognized Union Pacific. Selection criteria included the strength of a company's military recruiting efforts, the percentage of new hires with prior military service, and company policies on National Guard and military reserve service. Union Pacific is No. 13.

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"We take great pride in employing military veterans," said Barb Schaefer, Union Pacific senior vice president - Human Resources. "Military training instills dedication and a goal-oriented work ethic that translates very well to the railroad. We encourage retiring and transitioning military personnel to help strengthen our organization by joining the Union Pacific workforce."

The railroad's progressive reservist policy, which compensates the difference between military and company pay for employees called to duty and continues to provide health plan benefits for dependents when employees are deployed, is one example of how Union Pacific supports its reserve, active duty and veteran employees and their families.

Another example is UPVETS, a Union Pacific employee resource group devoted to attracting, developing and retaining employees who are military veterans.

Approximately 23 percent of Union Pacific's 2012 new hires - nearly 800 in total - are military veterans. Overall, veterans comprise approximately 20 percent of Union Pacific's workforce, and 24 percent of Union Pacific's hires in the last five years have been veterans.

Leadership and teamwork skills, wide ranging areas of expertise gained during their service, familiarity with nontraditional working hours and experience working outdoors make military personnel valuable to Union Pacific.

Union Pacific offers many unique employment opportunities for veterans including train crew, diesel mechanics, diesel electricians, assistant signal workers and track laborers. Engineers in the computer science, electrical, civil and mechanical areas will find leadership opportunities in the Information Technology department or through the company's Operations Management Training Program.

The railroad actively recruits veterans through its involvement with military transition offices, military education offices, reserve and National Guard units, career fairs, information sessions, employer panels, resume review assistance and by serving on local military committees and boards.

Union Pacific frequently is recognized for its commitment to military veterans. The company received the inaugural Hiring Our Heroes Award for Post 9/11 Veteran Employment and Internships by the National Chamber Foundation; has been named a top military friendly employer by G.I. Jobs 10 times; and was one of just three companies selected to the Platinum category by Military Times EDGE as a Best for Vets Employer. The company is a member of the Army Reserve's Employee Partnership Initiative; is a supporter of the Army Partnership for Youth Success program; is a past recipient of the Freedom Award, the U.S. government's highest employer recognition; and the Military Officers Association of America Distinguished Service Award.

About Union Pacific
It was 150 years ago that Abraham Lincoln signed the Pacific Railway Act of July 1, 1862, creating the original Union Pacific. One of America's iconic companies, today Union Pacific Railroad is the principal operating company of Union Pacific Corporation (NYSE: UNP), linking 23 states in the western two-thirds of the country by rail and providing freight solutions and logistics expertise to the global supply chain. From 2000 through 2011, Union Pacific spent more than $31 billion on its network and operations, making needed investments in America's infrastructure and enhancing its ability to provide safe, reliable, fuel-efficient and environmentally responsible freight transportation. Union Pacific's diversified business mix includes Agricultural Products, Automotive, Chemicals, Coal, Industrial Products and Intermodal. The railroad serves many of the fastest-growing U.S. population centers and emphasizes excellent customer service. Union Pacific operates competitive routes from all major West Coast and Gulf Coast ports to eastern gateways, connects with Canada's rail systems and is the only railroad serving all six major Mexico gateways.

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SOURCE Union Pacific