Unpredictable Schedule, Nepotism and more...
Pros
Decent pay for a mindless unrewarding job.
Cons
. If you like a completely unpredictable work schedule then this job is for you. On the Station "Extra Board" you will be called daily between 3 and 5 PM to assign you to the following days work schedule. If you fail to receive a phone call, you can assume you have the next day off. HOWEVER, Amtrak reserves the right to call you between 7 AM and 9 AM to call you in for the same day. The day you assumed that you had off work. You can also be called in for FORCED overtime, which you can not refuse. This schedule can go on for years. Why? SENIORITY Many people in your Station will be senior to you. They will "Hold" the most desirable jobs and schedules. If you're lucky enough to bid on, win and hold a job... you can still be forced off your job by someone more senior to you. People will try to use their Seniority to intimidate you, thinking their 20 - 40 years of service makes them your Boss. You will be threatened with termination if you make any of these people your enemy or just irritate them. Even though they hold the same or similar Job Title to you, they are untouchable. Which brings us to Nepotism. Depending on your Station, Husbands will be working with Wives (different departments), Sons and Fathers, Old College friends and roommates etc. You get the picture.
