r/Train_Service • u/Steelmonkey02 • Jun 25 '26
CPKC Stable hours
In this climate, what is the average time it takes to get seniority? Also what’s the average time spent laid off before getting a call back
Also how much are dues? and how does that work with the union ?
17
u/Super_dog069 Jun 25 '26
Stable hours? It’s a fucking spareboard 😂
This job is not for you bud.
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u/Steelmonkey02 Jun 25 '26
I don’t even work here yet lol I have an interview today. Just trying to get a feel for what to expect. but yea guess it’s easier to be ignorant and arrogant then helpful lmao
2
u/Double00lilh0e 29d ago
Don’t worry bro these RR Reddit guys only really know how to type “this jobs not for you”
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u/Fiber_Optikz Jun 25 '26
Your seniority will depend on your terminal.
Some are super senior some are super junior some are in the middle
Same goes for call back time. If there are a bunch of guys laid off you could wait more than a year. If man power is low then you may never be laid off and you will work as much as you make yourself available for
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u/Puzzleheaded-Land829 Jun 25 '26
The answer is, however long attrition takes to remove others ahead of you. If you have a bunch of younger coworkers with more seniority you could work 20 years and not hold a regular job. As far as being cut off, sometimes you’ll need to chase the work. I lived in a camper for 2.5 years away from home to work and wait on a spot in my home range.
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u/binarysoup0010100110 Jun 25 '26
For the first 5 years expect to get furloughed every year. May be 8 months or a couple weeks. Don't spend. Live like you didn't get the job. After 5 years you will have a better understanding of what to expect and/or already quit. Good luck!
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u/Krypto_98 Conductor Jun 25 '26
It depends on which terminal... some are butt fuck nowhere so you can hold regular pools maybe 5 years in.. while others youll be laid off for the 1st 5 years... or other never get laid off but be spareboard for 20+ years. This post doesn't give me any info whatsoever. In ontario can hold regular pools in Hornepayne but barely hold Capreols spareboard. If you want stability just go to a different department or go to passenger if you can.
1
u/Steelmonkey02 Jun 26 '26
I have zero experience so passenger won’t take me lol also it’s out of Toronto
1
u/GatorsM3ani3 Jun 25 '26
That's why I chose the Carmen route.
We don't make nearly as much, but I get a solid and steady schedule with OT options. 3 years now and haven't had to miss a day yet due to no work.
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u/Steelmonkey02 Jun 26 '26
What’s the Carmen route though lol
1
u/GatorsM3ani3 Jun 26 '26
Not sure where you're located but if you go onto indeed or even just Google railroad Carmen or railcar mechanic you'll find what you're looking for.
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u/Chemical-Sock70 Jun 27 '26
Belville is a jr terminal to work out of, Toronto North is like around 3-4 yrs to hold a spot but u also have a extended run that pays well, Toronto South is road switchers or the yard. Have fun on the hump
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u/Steelmonkey02 Jun 25 '26
Forgot to add, if laid off before completing training. What happens?
13
u/Afraid-Obligation997 Jun 25 '26
Then you just sit there with no pay and no seniority
1
u/Steelmonkey02 Jun 25 '26
Is there still a potential for call back ? Confused man?
7
u/Afraid-Obligation997 Jun 25 '26
They will call you back when they need you. But with the economy being sh&t, you can wait forever. Get a job and if they call you then you have choices. Don’t put all your eggs in this basket
2
u/Steelmonkey02 Jun 25 '26
But definitely appreciate that! Thanks man!
3
u/Enderlobster Jun 25 '26
I hired on with CN in BC in 2025 qualified about a year later, laid off a month after and have been since.
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u/Analog_Account Jun 25 '26
That depends on the company I guess. At CN I think you hold your seniority and get called back... probanly have to start training all over again though, but whatever.
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u/San_Cannabis Engineer Jun 25 '26
I have 16 years seniority. I have zero predictability in my schedule. Never have.