The Republican midterm convention in Dallas is the latest place where Union Pacific Corp. is promoting its proposed takeover of Norfolk Southern Corp. to form the nation’s first coast-to-coast freight network.
“You should be able to ship stuff cheaper and faster, and we should be able to get more money back to the farms,” a farmer named Ron says in a 31-second Union Pacific ad running on screens above the convention floor. “I support this merger.”
Union Pacific is also running a 31-second spot highlighting support from organized labor for the merger, said spokesperson Kristen South. SMART-TD and other labor groups announced their support last year after reaching deals with the railroad to protect jobs for current employees.
The ads highlight the battle between Union Pacific and the Stop the Rail Merger Coalition — whose members include rival railroads, shippers and unions — over the proposed deal, which President Donald Trump has publicly supported. Advertising at the convention could help mobilize more Republicans to favorably comment to the Surface Transportation Board during its ongoing review.
“Union Pacific Railroad and Norfolk Southern advertisements at the RNC Convention are meant to mislead,” the coalition said on social media on September 10.
