Union Pacific Railroad shutting down operations in Palestine
TYLER, Texas (KLTV) - On Monday, during a commissioners court meeting in Anderson County, Judge Carey McKinney announced the beginning of a possible closure of Union Pacific’s longtime shop in Palestine.
“As of this morning, they’re starting the downsizing of the car shop here for Union Pacific railroad,” said Judge Carey McKinney at the commissioners court meeting in Anderson County.
The decision comes after the Texas Supreme Court refused to rehear a case. Anderson County and Union Pacific have been at odds for years over the railroad’s responsibility to keep operations running in the area.
“The appeal for the Texas Supreme Court was denied,” said Judge Carey McKinney.
The closure will eliminate more than 50 jobs and significantly impact the local community.
“I got laid off an oil field, and I know what that feels like,” said McKinney. “I still feel that same emotion for them because it’s like the world stopped turning that day when paycheck stops and you got a five year old and a one year old and a new house payment, and nothing coming in.”
McKinney said the Union Pacific can’t keep the shop open due to the expenses involved.
In a statement, Union Pacific said:
“We are moving forward to adjust operations. There are employment opportunities across Union Pacific’s system for every impacted employee.”
They also stated that, “Rail is essential to Texas and the U.S economy, and this decision allows them to better align their resources to serve their customers.”
“This isn’t over just yet, ok,” said Judge Carey McKinney. “We’ll keep all those employees in our prayers.”
Anderson County filed a stay on the judgment for the Texas Supreme Court and are currently in the process of appealing to the U.S. Supreme Court.
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