Who qualifies as a utility employee?

The qualification of a utility employee is best captured by the idea of flexibility and versatility in their assignments. A utility employee is generally someone who can be called upon to assist in various roles or tasks as needed, particularly within a train crew context.

In this framework, a train service employee temporarily assigned to assist a crew fits the definition of a utility employee because their role is not fixed; they can adapt to different functions within train operations as required. This adaptability is key to their classification as a utility employee, as they provide support in a way that helps maintain operational efficiency.

The other profiles, such as permanent members of the train crew or yard crew, indicate a more fixed position without the adaptability that characterizes a utility employee. Meanwhile, an employee responsible for safety inspections, while critical to operations, does not meet the criteria of being a utility employee, as their focus is specific and does not involve the multi-faceted support aspect seen in utility roles.