BNSF's Signing Bonuses Are Evidence of a Skills Shortage, Not a Job Shortage

Many job seekers might bypass the option of "working on the railroad, all the livelong day." But with Fort Worth-based BNSF Railway Co. offering up to $25,000 in signing bonuses, people are glad to sing that tune.The bonus applies to a diversity of jobs, including conductor trainees, electricians and mechanics. With the national unemployment rate sitting at a 17-year low of 4.1 percent — and 2.8 percent in some of the railroad's network areas — BNSF's cash incentive is indicative of a robust job market that lacks a sufficient supply of skilled workers.   Continue reading...