Pros
Pay is very good especially after the first year, however, you can be forced back to training wages if company deems necessary for you to take another position, benefits are good. Money, that's it.
Cons
Schedule is grueling to both employee and their family. That is understandable but with efficiency and some planning it could be made better. Just one example, don't call a train crew at 3am for a train only to sit on it until 2 that afternoon. Some positions lose ability to choose their own careers. Conductors are forced into engine service or be fired. Which means losing seniority and the hope of ever having a normal schedule. It's not a promotion if you have no choice other than to be fired. Company doesn't take families into consideration other than to pay us well. Remote management. Contributes to the inefficiencies, wasted time and decision based on some pretty faulty logic. Union vs. management it's up front and present. Union has many drawbacks, but some benefits in the form of safety and compensation.