Canadian National Railway Employer Reviews

I worked there over one summer as a conductor trainee. From the first encounter with a trainmaster, I got the feeling I was disposable. I was fired in the fall for the actions of another employee that they mistook as me. No warning and no investigation to my alleged demeanor. My many pleas to the company and union fell on deaf ears despite irrefutable – more... evidence. Every employee at CN can be replaced and they make you know it. Even 30+ year veterans get the boot when they don't tow the company line. Just a warning, never take them lightly, and never give them anything to burn you with. As many in the company say; they'll spend one thousands to train you and the next 30 years trying to fire you. – less

And for people who defend CNs safety record.

Then explain why did CN rail use a locomotive that wasn't equipped with dynamic brakes when it was used on the mountains of Lilloet BC.

Watch CTVs W-five report "off the rails" and find out.

Think twice if you are applying for any position in customs brokerage department. You will wonder why everybody is leaving???
manager there think she own the company, giving CN a bad reputation. Otherwise any other depart in the management position is a plus. Operation I can't blame the bad comment because this company is sevice oriented. Always aiming – more... for number 1 and will always be number one. – less

all around good work enviroment, learned alot about bio engineering and able to identify rock formations and danger points

The most unprofessional business that I've ever worked for! Office environments have fights, people are using profanity all the time! Don't expect to get promoted unless you are NOT a minority! Expect to LOSE YOUR LIFE IN ALL ASPECTS....never see children, family, friends etc...and never be appreciated for your hard work! I've learned to identify what – more... I truely want in a good quality workplace. – less

it was a hard job very hard work. i worked hard there when it was a short time i was there.people were nice to worj with

i'm a harder wheni start something i finsh it what i start.don't like leaving anything unfinished.

I have come away from CN Rail with a great knowledge of how the Railway network works.

A typical day at work in the CN yard is being constantly monitered by supervisors. They have a rating system in place called p.m.r.c.; they are constantly looking for pmrc failures. If you fail you are automatically sent home no matter what the situation; you are left wondering if you have lost your job. Most new hires have not been trained properly – more... so they are gauranteed to fail one of these. The employees are constantly walking in fear trying to figure out what they did wrong when a supervisor scolds them and the supervisor will not explain the situation. This is a typical weekly occurance at CN. Must work all stats. Legally allowed to take stats off, but scolded when asking to do so. – less

it's beginning of my career.. nice workplace, co-workers (actually my mentors at the time) were very nice and helpful

its a fun place work at but very hard work as u have to work outside all the time.

Working with others ,trainning others on equipment .

Everyday is a new day and you never stop learning

Management is a big part of a smooth operation

Work together is the way to go .

Weather elements can be very difficult working

Going home to your family safe

Running repairs and scheduled maintenance easy day pass,learned ot deal with differnt driver and operator problem on the machines,takes procedures and guide lines from mnagement prosfective views on customer sevice priority,most of my college are self motivated and cooperative,big breakdown on machine could delay the train schedule,summer time is less – more... stress weatherwise. – less

A bit more like Shawshank prison, albeit with pension and company stock benefits. Management in Walker diesel shop are the worst you'll ever meet. No people skills, doesnt value their employees. Only time youll see the manager is when he'll hand you a cookie (desciplinary action). Forget about going to school, they'll move heaven and earth not to send – more... you. – less

Amazing money right off the bat. Good job security. Takes a few years to be totally secure but after about 2 you're set or life. Great pension, but most guys don't live very long after 35 years of graveyards, poor diet, living in hotels, and going through a few wives. I went in thinking it wouldn't be me but here I am divorced and unhealthy, depressed, – more... looking for other work. Thanking god I got out.

By the way some stats: average of 3 people you'll kill in your career, just like any job things go bad and the trains weight upwards of 26,000 tonnes, for the first 2ish years depending on where you work it could be mostly outside, in the mountains, in the wind, in the rain, get the picture, management structure is fire first then maybe ask questions, the union will never let you lose your job no matter how stupid you are. – less

- good camaraderie developed with co-workers
- Seniority is a joke, ie. more senior employees complaining about new hires getting Sunday, Monday off during orientations and training sessions
- rail car apprentices being promoted to supervisor positions after 1 month or less on the job
- easier to get blood from a stone than have a co-worker switch off – more... days with you
- management good with accommodating off days for personal reasons
- management respectful of decisions to resign from CN ie. they will not give you a hard time for resigning – less

A good solid company with good benefits. Every day is different at this particular job.

drive locomotives with precision and be resposible for millions of dollars worth of equipement and freight. Being my own boss was great and having several people to work with always brought conversation.

Very competent, intelligent, sophisticated, responsible, sensitive management. Things ran smoothly and everything was fine tuned. Work load was expertly administered. Training was more than adequate and easily available. The staff included some parasites, but, on balance and comparatively, it was good too: mostly conscientious, dedicated, reliable, – more... and a credit to the company. Great union representatives, too ! – less

- building trains in the yard for 9 hours or more using a yard engine or going on a long haul to buffalo
- learned to function under high stress situations in a safety critical job
-Management style not very productive and very derogatory behaviour towards union workers
-co-workers are mostly great and the best part of work
-the hardest part of the – more... work was learning different yards and tracks when new and being called to different locations and times for shift work.
-the most enjoyable part of the work was operating the locomotive and doing a god job at the end of the day with all the trials and tribulations – less