A proposed merger worth up to $85 billion between the Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern railroads lost the support of two unions that represent over 50% of the affected workers.
The AP reports the employees are concerned the merger will eliminate a large number of jobs and lead to significant safety concerns.
Significant disruptions because of the merger would also raise shipping rates and consumer prices.
The deal would create the first transcontinental railroad in U.S. history, and the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen and the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employees Division are among the deal’s most prominent critics.
They aren’t alone, joining a coalition including the American Chemistry Council, a number of agricultural groups, and competing railroad BNSF in raising concerns that the merger will hurt competition.
The Surface Transportation Board will take input to determine whether the arrangement is in the public interest.
