Great Company ruined by the Union - Machinist BNSF Railway Employee Review

2.0
Sep 13, 2015
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Pay is ok, benefits are good. Easy job, relaxed environment . Always busy never bored. It can really be a great place to work.

Cons

Lazy Union workers with a sense of entitlement. Many craft members with no electrical or mechanical background but with Union seniority. Previously cleaned dog kennels now an electrician, used to shovel dirt for a living now a machinist. No mechanical training at all. Senior craft always complaining about being overworked. No good days off for lower hard working members but good days off for lazy higher seniority members. People that would get fired in a non union company still given 10th chance. No leadership training for the foremen, believe it they need it.

Explore other reviews about BNSF Railway

5.0
Jun 24, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

This is a great place to start and grow your career, especially as an MT, with tons of opportunities to take on projects and explore what interests you. Leadership at every level is genuinely supportive and approachable, and people across the company are always willing to teach, mentor, and help you succeed. Compensation and benefits are competitive, and the Business Resource Groups really add to the sense of community and development.

Cons

There are so many opportunities that it can sometimes feel a little overwhelming figuring out what path to focus on. Balancing day-to-day work with all the development options can be a bit challenging depending on your role and workload.

5.0
Jul 3, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Great people and strong coworkers across the organization. The company offers competitive pay, strong benefits, and good overall stability. There are many experienced employees who care about the work and are willing to help others succeed.

Cons

The organization can be very hierarchical, which sometimes makes it difficult to drive change or move quickly. Decisions often require multiple layers of approval, so it can take longer than expected to finalize direction or make progress. There is also limited flexibility compared to what many other companies offer, especially when it comes to working arrangements.

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