Newly hired Amtrak train attendant. Hello👋

[BlackDiamond]

Maybe we could have secret sign or handshake <Insert smiley here>.

Carrying a scanner might be a tip-off

 

[Brian Battuello]

But back on topic, good point about the OBS "Fiefdom". An interesting aspect of on-board service is that there is no management hierarchy on board. Once you finish basic training and get assigned, you are pretty much on your own. You'd have to set the cafe car on fire to get the attention of a conductor. And I don't think any of the other OBS's would mind if you did your job particularly well, none of their business.

Would you mind letting us know if you have a particular assignment in mind, and we could give you some feedback about our experiences with that position? Big difference between running the cafe on the NEC vs being a sleeping car attendant on a three day trip. Do people move from one position to another, or are you pretty much set for your career? I don't recall ever having a discussion here about OBS people moving around between positions.

 

[railiner]

Do people move from one position to another, or are you pretty much set for your career? I don't recall ever having a discussion here about OBS people moving around between positions.

I believe all current OBS positions are under a single agreement, and staff are permitted to qualify and then bid on any of the positions as they become available.

Moving from OBS to T&E is another matter, requiring a transfer request, and then basically getting rehired, and starting over. A little easier perhaps, then getting hired “ from the street”, unless you have prior operating experience and licenses.

 

[Cal]

requiring a transfer request, and then basically getting rehired, and starting over.

I wouldn't even think there would be a transfer request TBH.

 

[railiner]

I wouldn't even think there would be a transfer request TBH.

Once you “get your foot in the door”, with any Amtrak job, after serving I believe one full year on that job, you have the opportunity to fill out an internal transfer request for any other department in the Company.
A current employee, who has established a good work record in their current position, which can be reviewed by recruiters from other departments, has a distinct advantage over outside applicants whose references may not disclose anywhere near as much credible information to the recruiter.

 

[hlcteacher]

Members of the "Cruise Critic" boards wear Mardi Gras beads on the first day to identify themselves.

How about one of these?

View attachment 38610

i would never identify as a member of cruise critic...lol

 

[flitcraft]

Members of the "Cruise Critic" boards wear Mardi Gras beads on the first day to identify themselves.

Ooh! I have a huge box full of Mardi Gras beads from our time many years ago going to the parades when we lived there. I've given away a lot of the tat over the years for kids' dress up boxes and such, but I still have enough to wear for Fat Tuesday and now maybe, on the train!

 

[railiner]

Members of the "Cruise Critic" boards wear Mardi Gras beads on the first day to identify themselves.

Or….

i would never identify as a member of cruise critic...lol