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.