KLIN News has learned Burlington Northern Santa Fe officials have laid off several employees in Lincoln. The layoffs reportedly impact about two dozen workers, including several carmen who worked at the Havelock shops. They are responsible for inspecting, repairing and maintaining freight cars, ensuring they are safe and operational.
One person with knowledge of the layoffs tells KLIN News some pipe fitters and sheet metal workers were also included in the layoffs. KLIN News reached out to BNSF for a statement. “As a business tied to the industrial and consumer economies, we must always adapt our resources to meet demand,” says spokesperson Kendall Sloan.
“To ensure our long-term success, it is necessary to make workforce decisions that respond to a complex and ever-changing freight environment.” Sloan says while these decisions are never easy, they must position themselves to continue providing the industry-leading service their customers expect.
“We will continue to reevaluate our needs at this location to ensure we remain aligned with evolving market conditions and operational priorities.”