(The Associated Press circulated the following on January 23, 2009.)
BISMARCK, N.D. — BNSF Railway says about two dozen workers in North Dakota will be furloughed because of an economic downturn that has reduced rail traffic.
Spokesman Gus Melonas says the company will furlough “about two dozen” workers in Minot, Mandan and Grand Forks.
He says BNSF will furlough certain employees that are directly involved with the movement of trains in several cities around the country.
Melonas says employees with more seniority are allowed to “bump” those with less seniority for available jobs throughout the system, so the number of employees affected can vary from location to location.
Melonas say the North Dakota jobs involve conductor, brakeman and engineer positions.