The SMART-TD union that represents conductors and other rail workers said Union Pacific put CEO Jim Vena’s promise not to lay off any of its workers as a result of the merger in writing and promised to protect their jobs throughout their careers. “Today, we can say with confidence that the biggest railroad and the biggest rail union in America are breaking new ground. Deliveries were delayed and disrupted for extended periods after both the Union Pacific-Southern Pacific deal and the Conrail acquisition. The board established a high bar for major rail mergers after the problems of the past, but Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern executives have expressed confidence in their chances of gaining approval. “I am confident we will unlock new sources of growth for the country and our industry, taking more trucks off taxpayer-funded highways, serving new markets, and keeping more railroad jobs in America,” said Vena, the Union Pacific CEO.