If it sounds to good to be true......... - Anonymous employee CN Employee Review

2.0
4 Aug 2017
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Highest paid Railroad in the country (but you will be paying that back by never seeing your family)

Cons

I came from another railroad so I had experience and heard how amazing The CN was. Well it was too good to be true......The management has no integrity in the Chicago area. The contract was written for a reason but they throw that out and make side deals with employees they like. Two years ago a young man was killed, the accident wasn't seen so everyone speculates on what happened. Here's what happened the men I worked with believe their Union protection also protects them from putting their lives in danger. I saw daily men breaking safety rules that had me cringing. Half the time they would look at me and say it's ok for me to do this I'm in the union. The union can not stop that car from crushing you. The union can not stop that ethanol car from blowing up because you thought you could break the rules. The training is basic like kindergarten, the OJT is high school..they have no transition. No way to keep track if the trainee's are actually learning or confused unless one begs for information the company/co workers won't give you any. If you hire on here kiss managements butt and watch everything you do with your co workers. We were told in school the IC ( Illinois Central) employees were the most blood thirsty employed here. They will do anything to make an extra $20.

Explore other reviews about CN

5.0
2 Apr 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Its what you make of it. Good union job with good benefits

Cons

You're always waiting on trains.

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CN Response
2mo
Thank you for your feedback and for your hard work. We pride ourselves on providing our team members with great benefits. We thank you for moving our business and the economy forward. Please share your thoughts with your manager and on your regular Interaction surveys.
4.0
13 Apr 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Pays decently well for first job out of college. My manager and team are very reasonable with expectations placed on new hires. Working after office hours (past 4:30pm) is extremely rare and only expected in emergencies.

Cons

Very slow and/or limited job growth potential. Promotions into middle management are almost purely based on reputation with middle managers who are largely people with previous field experience. This is very disadvantageous to direct-from-college hires like myself and even my current manager.

avatar
CN Response
1mo
Thank you for your feedback and for your hard work. We pride ourselves on providing our team members with great pay. With a 24/7/365 operation CN could not function without its dedicated employees. We thank you for moving our business and the economy forward. Remember to leverage your development plan to have career discussions with your leader and please share your thoughts on your regular Interaction surveys.
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