If CPKC Isn’t Rock Bottom, a National Paradigm Shift Is Needed - Anonymous employee CPKC Employee Review

1.0
Sep 10, 2025
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Stable Work: The company offers stability, as it is involved across virtually all sectors that require the transportation of goods. Benefits: Employees receive strong health benefits and access to an employee share program. Compensation: The salary is fair overall; however, it’s important to note that colleagues in the same role may be earning $20,000–$40,000 more, leading to pay discrepancies.

Cons

Work-Life Balance: Virtually non-existent. The workload is overwhelming, leaving little to no room for balance. Processes: There are no real processes in place. It’s difficult to understand how the company has managed to survive this long. Employees are forced to create “processes” on the fly as they work. Training: Training for new employees is extremely poor. You’re given only a high-level overview of expectations and then thrown directly into highly complex files—some of which have been unresolved for years, if not decades—with the expectation that you will figure it out. Bullying: Bullying is part of the culture. Employees are often talked down to and indirectly intimidated. “Yes” Culture: There is no true freedom of speech. While leaders claim employees can be open, the reality is very different. Speaking out can result in punishment, such as being denied bonuses or subjected to one-on-one meetings where leaders issue indirect threats. Reputation: Everyone I’ve spoken to outside the company who previously worked at CPKC has nothing positive to say about their experience. Toxic Culture: Even if you start as a good person, staying here too long changes you. Adopting the same toxic behaviors becomes the only way to survive. Work from Office: The work can easily be done remotely, yet employees are forced to come into the office. Leadership: Leadership is poor and lacks direction. When issues arise, blame is pushed downward, with employees left to carry the consequences. The company prides itself on “Consequence Leadership (CL),” but in reality, it’s nothing more than an excuse for finger-pointing. Final Note: I would rather take my chances elsewhere—even with unstable work and lower pay—than remain here. At least outside, I can have peace of mind.

Explore other reviews about CPKC

5.0
Dec 20, 2025
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Great pay, and benefits, good environment,

Cons

First 3-5 years stressful until you get familiar and understand how railroads work.

1
2.0
May 29, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Lots of opportunities to provide value

Cons

Poor leadership at the C-level. CIO has no control over the direction of the IT landscape beyond what is dictated to her by the CEO and other business owners. The IT environment is almost solely controlled by the demands of the business at the cost of being able to manage and adapt to needs. 20 years behind the market in the adoption of cloud technology. Existing cloud strategy was built by engineers pressed into the role of architects and learning as they progressed along. No automation or DevOps presence whatsoever outside what the platform teams use to simplify their own workloads. Remote work is considered a 4-letter word and is extremely frowned upon as anything other than an as-needed and pre-approved option. Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery are still done using backups and shadow copies of key infrastructure, and those key systems are decided upon at the time the tests are planned instead of testing the company's infrastructure in its entirety. Data centers are geographically separated, but are significantly disparate in what is physically hosted and accessible. Recognition and rewards are overtly encouraged, but are covertly handed out based on the level of visibility and impact to the business and stakeholders. Senior leadership constantly touts open-door policy and approachability, but give off vibes and impressions opposite of the overt policy. The company puts on a show of being diverse and inclusive. Case in point, the hiring of a female CIO. The problem is that working within an 'old boys network' leadership, it doesn't matter how inclusive and diverse the company appears because those elements are never given the opportunity to show their value.

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