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 "I've been driving a bus for the Los Angeles Metropolitan Transportation Authority for 16 years, and I think it takes a toll, both mentally and physically. Some find it hard dealing with the public, but that doesn't get to me. But I've had repetitive motion injuries, including wrist and elbow problems from the steering wheel and from opening and closing the door. I had to have surgery on my left wrist for carpal tunnel syndrome about a year and seven months ago. Many drivers I know have trouble with their backs and their knees, but we have a good health and welfare plan here."
-- Aaron Montgomery, L-1608, Chatsworth, Cal.
 "I'm a yard conductor and general chairperson on BNSF, and I've been railroading for 30 years. I've seen a lot of people the job has taken a toll on, but so far, I'm doing okay. It's not an easy way to make a living. A lot of times, you're out in inclement weather. When you first start, you're on call 24 hours a day, and some people don't adapt well to shift work and changing schedules. I see a lot of knee, ankle and foot problems, probably due to walking on the ballast. There's not a level place to walk on the railroad. And there's a lot of stress that comes from poor management."
-- Robert Repstine, L-202, Denver, Col.
 "I'm a general chairperson for yardmasters working for CSX. In hindsight, yardmasters have accepted more responsibilities than some of the other crafts. Because of the long hours, the overload of work and a shortage of people to do it, stress has become the number-one issue for yardmasters. Stress puts a mental and physical strain on the body. That's why President Little's emphasis on quality-of-life issues is so important to yardmasters. Reduce the hours, and you reduce the stress and solve some of the problems associated with stress."
-- Doyle Turner, L-1962, Toledo, Ohio
 "I'm a Union Pacific conductor with 38 years of experience, and I'm working a pool job. When I was younger, I didn't think the job took a toll, but as you get older you see that it does, mentally and physically. The irregular hours play into it, not knowing when you're next going to work. It makes it hard to get adequate rest, especially while you're trying to juggle your job with being a husband and a father. And there's definitely wear and tear on your knees, ankles and your back from the job. But I chose the profession, and I believe the biggest part of working a job is your attitude."
-- Mike Womack, L-613, Austin, Tex.
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