National Chamber Foundation Presents Union Pacific Railroad a Hiring Our Heroes Award for Post 9/11 Veteran Employment and Internships

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Nov 29, 2011, 11:02 ET

OMAHA, Neb., Nov. 29, 2011 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The National Chamber Foundation, the non-profit think tank of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, presented Union Pacific Railroad the Hiring Our Heroes Award for Post 9/11 Veteran Employment and Internships. The company was nominated by a variety of non-profit and veteran services organizations for its commitment to hiring and supporting military veterans. Union Pacific was the only railroad to win a Hiring Our Heroes award.

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More than 7,000 Union Pacific employees hired since 9/11 have military experience. Overall, about 20 percent of the company's 45,000 employees are veterans.

"Union Pacific has a solid track record of hiring veterans," said Barb Schaefer, Union Pacific senior vice president - Human Resources. "In fact, 25 percent of new hires during the last four years have military experience. These employees exemplify commitment and strong work ethic, and we are proud so many veterans choose to make a career of railroading."

Hiring Our Heroes awards recognize businesses that have gone above and beyond to honor the sacrifices America's military families make in their service to the nation. Awards were presented in five categories: Veteran and Military Spouse Employment; Small Business Veteran and Military Spouse; Wounded Warrior Employment Transition Assistance; Women Veteran and Military Spouse Employment Award; and Post-9/11 Veteran Employment and Internships.

Union Pacific offers a wide range of job opportunities that lend themselves to employees with military backgrounds including train dispatchers, train crew, diesel mechanics, diesel electricians, assistant signal workers and track laborers. The company offers leadership opportunities through its Operations Management Training Program.

The railroad employs a military-specific recruiting plan that includes involvement at military transition offices, military education offices, reserve units, military panels, National Guard units, career fairs, information sessions, employer panels, resume review assistance and serving on local military committees and boards.

Union Pacific has an active military-support initiative for deployed or returning-to-work employees. Also, veteran and interested non-military veteran employees recently started an employee resource group called UP VETS, which is designed to help attract, develop and retain veteran employees.

In addition to being recognized by the National Chamber Foundation, Union Pacific was selected by Military Times EDGE as a Best for Vets 2011 Employer, ranking as Platinum, the highest category and was named to G.I. Jobs' 2012 Military Friendly Employers list. The company is a member of the Army Reserve's Employee Partnership Initiative, is a supporter of the Army Partnership for Youth Success program and 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.

Earlier this year, Fortune named Union Pacific the most admired company among trucking, transportation and logistics companies, and Diversity Careers in Engineering and Information Technology recognized the railroad as a Best Diversity Company for the third consecutive year.

About Union Pacific

One of America's iconic companies, Union Pacific celebrates its 150th anniversary in 2012. Abraham Lincoln signed the Pacific Railway Act of July 1, 1862, creating the original Union Pacific. 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, Energy, 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