Omaha, Neb.
|January 14, 2026
Union Pacific Railroad was proud to host U.S. Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer Wednesday at its state-of-the-art Training Center and Harriman Dispatching Center, where she saw firsthand the innovative and world-class training that goes into developing the railroad’s highly skilled workforce, expected to grow with the creation of the nation’s first transcontinental railroad.
The tour is part of Secretary Chavez-DeRemer’s 50-state ‘America at Work’ listening tour that began last April to promote economic development and job creation. Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern have proposed a landmark merger to create the nation’s first coast-to-coast railroad, which they estimate will lead to the creation of approximately 900 net new union jobs to meet anticipated growth in rail demand.
“It is an honor to be a part of Secretary Chavez-DeRemer’s impressive nationwide tour and to talk about growing and developing America’s workforce,” said Union Pacific CEO Jim Vena. “It also gave me a chance to showcase the men and women who are the backbone of America’s supply chain and the extensive safety and operating training they undergo to work on a modern, high-tech railroad.”
Chavez-DeRemer toured both Union Pacific’s Training Center and the Harriman Dispatching Center, which serves as the railroad’s central nervous system, dispatching trains and crews 24/7 across Union Pacific’s 23-state network.
“Union Pacific is helping power our economy by investing in the skilled workforce that keeps our supply chains moving, and I enjoyed seeing that commitment up close as part of my 50-state America at Work listening tour,” said Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer. “I appreciate their efforts to strengthen our skilled workforce and keep America competitive for decades to come.”
The day ended with Vena giving Chavez-DeRemer a chance to see Union Pacific’s newest commemorative locomotive: No. 1616 Abraham Lincoln. This special locomotive honors Union Pacific’s founder and will be on tour this year to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary.
Union Pacific (NYSE: UNP) delivers the goods families and businesses use every day with safe, reliable and efficient service. Operating in 23 western states, the company connects its customers and communities to the global economy. Trains are the most environmentally responsible way to move freight, helping Union Pacific protect future generations. More information about Union Pacific is available at www.up.com.
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