Railroad officials have not listed specific reasons for the cuts, but some 195 jobs are expected to be permanently eliminated at the Hinkle Yard in Hermiston by mid-July.

According to sources, the railroad locomotive repair shop and a major supply warehouse will be permanently closed, said the East Oregonian.

The railroad will see reductions in job force and certain tasks, but will remain otherwise fully operational, according to Union Pacific sources.

The job cuts were reported to the State of Oregon as required by the WARN Act of 1988 that requires employers to report pending job reductions in advance. This allows state officials to prepare additional resources to help the expected surge of unemployment claims as well as possible retraining resources for displaced workers.

The last of the layoffs are expected to be completed by mid-July.

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