Union Pacific Trainees on 'Mission' to Lend a Hand
The Open Door Mission in Omaha, Nebraska, recently received some helping hands from Union Pacific employees in the railroad's Field Management Trainee (FMT) program. The trainees took an evening off to serve dinner at the mission, an organization whose philosophy is to "break the cycle of homelessness and poverty."
The FMT program is designed to give new front-line managers the tools necessary to become successful leaders. There were 15 employees in town for the training, said John Maeda, Union Pacific manager of yard operations-Chicago.
"We had some downtime and decided to do something to help out the community instead of just hanging out," said Maeda. "It was a group effort, and everyone was really happy to do it. When the need arose, our people went above and beyond."
The Open Door Mission provides more than 800 safe shelter beds to the homeless and more than 2,000 hot meals every day, according to Candace Gregory, Open Door Mission president and CEO.
"We really appreciate the time Union Pacific volunteers take to help make a difference in our community," said Gregory.
From the beginning of the nine-week FMT program to graduation, participants are expected to take a leadership role, said Debra Berry, Union Pacific Human Resources program manager.
"Seeing the journey each class goes through is very rewarding," said Berry. "One of the nice things about this most recent class was how they sought out different opportunities to give back to the community and the company while here in town."
Union Pacific Training and Career Development
Union Pacific employees are the company's most valued asset. In addition to the FMT program, the railroad invests in many training and career development programs to attract, develop and retain skilled and diverse workers.
For more information, as well as other ways in which Union Pacific engages its employees and the communities it serves, see the company's Sustainability and Citizenship Report.
About Union Pacific
Union Pacific Railroad is the principal operating company of Union Pacific Corporation (NYSE: UNP). One of America's most recognized companies, Union Pacific Railroad connects 23 states in the western two-thirds of the country by rail, providing a critical link in the global supply chain. From 2004-2013, Union Pacific invested approximately $30 billion in its network and operations to support America's transportation infrastructure. The railroad's diversified business mix includes Agricultural Products, Automotive, Chemicals, Coal, Industrial Products and Intermodal. Union Pacific serves many of the fastest-growing U.S. population centers, operates from all major West Coast and Gulf Coast ports to eastern gateways, connects with Canada's rail systems and is the only railroad serving all six major Mexico gateways. Union Pacific provides value to its roughly 10,000 customers by delivering products in a safe, reliable, fuel-efficient and environmentally responsible manner.
Union Pacific media contact: Elizabeth Hutchison at 402-544-8433 or eehutchi@up.com.
