(The Topeka Capital-Journal posted the following story on its website on July 22.)
TOPEKA, Kan. — Eighty-eight Burlington Northern and Santa Fe Railway employees in Topeka have signed up for a buyout from the railroad, a company spokesman said.
BNSF made an offer three weeks ago to 600 employees to take an early retirement package. Eligible employees would vacate their job and receive either an annuity that pays $2,500 per month for up to 36 months, plus health and welfare benefits; or a lump sum payment of $90,000, with no health and welfare benefits.
Company spokesman Steve Forsberg said those who signed up will be evaluated and told in August whether their buyout will be approved. Affected employees are in the Transportation-Communications Union. Management had expected 100 to 150 employees to take the buyouts. BNSF has roughly 1,100 employees in Topeka.