OREANDA-NEWS. G.I. Jobs has named Union Pacific Railroad one of America's top military-friendly employers for 2015, marking the 12th time in 13 years that one of the nation's premier career guides for military job seekers recognized Union Pacific. Selections are based on the strength of a company's military initiatives or events, the percentage of new hires with prior military service, and company policies regarding service in the reserves and National Guard. This year, Union Pacific is ranked fourth on the list, the highest of all transportation companies.

"We are incredibly proud to employ nearly 10,000 military veterans," said Jamie Herbert, assistant vice president - Union Pacific Human Resources. "Their familiarity with safety sensitive operating environments and unparalleled work ethic translates very well to the railroad. As we seek to fulfill increasing hiring needs, we will continue to recruit transitioning military service members to join the Union Pacific team."

So far this year, Union Pacific has hired 1,425 military veterans, including 144 disabled veterans. These veterans make up approximately 28 percent of all new hires in 2014. Overall, veterans comprise approximately 20 percent of Union Pacific's workforce, and 24 percent of Union Pacific's hires since 2005 have been veterans.

One example of Union Pacific's efforts to support its reserve, active duty and veteran employees is the railroad's progressive reservist policy, which compensates all employees for any difference between military and company pay for employees called to duty. The policy also provides continued health plan benefits for dependents when employees are deployed.

Another example is UPVETS, an employee resource group devoted to attracting, developing and retaining employees who are military veterans.

Leadership and teamwork skills, wide ranging areas of expertise gained during service, familiarity with nontraditional working hours and experience working outdoors make military personnel valuable to Union Pacific.