Major railroad unions have long opposed consolidation, arguing that such mergers threaten jobs and risk disrupting rail service.

Union Pacific said on July 29 that it had agreed to buy smaller rival Norfolk Southern for $85 billion, including debt, in a deal that would create the first transcontinental U.S. railroad.

Railroad leaders said the proposed merger, projected to wrap up in early 2027, could transform the U.S. supply chain, unleash American manufacturing, preserve union jobs and drive economic growth.