Workers Allured with Complimentary Housing, According to Vladimir Miroshnik

Modernization and Growth at JSC "Yakutia Railways"

Local reporters from "Yakutia.info" recently visited the city of Aldan, making the journey by rail. While there, they met with an employee of "Yakutia Railways" who had returned to the republic after a stint working elsewhere. He shared his appreciation for the shift back home, citing both personal longing and improved working and living conditions as factors.

We sat down with Vladimir Miroshnik, Deputy General Director for Human Resources and Social Issues at JSC "Yakutia Railways" to discuss employment and the social sphere at the enterprise.

- So, Vladimir, how many workers are on the payroll today?

At present, we have around 1,500 employees. Over the past five years, our workforce has expanded due to the commissioning of the Tommot - Lower Bestakh section, increased transportation volumes, production development, and new facility openings. Our team now hails from various regions across Yakutia, including Tynda, Neryungri, Aldan, Megino-Kangalass, Hangalass, Mountain, Churapcha, Nyurba, Lower Kolym, and more. We actively participate in the "Local Cadres for Industry" program, primarily hiring employees from northern regions. Some individuals learn about us through friends or relatives.

- What types of roles are being filled?

Typically, men within our company are employed as locomotive drivers, assistant locomotive drivers, track maintenance workers, rolling stock fitters, electricians, and electric mechanics for communication and signaling. Women work as station attendants, dispatchers, freight cashiers, and conductors. We maintain an agreement with the Transport Technical College to train conductors for us through their Employment Center. It's crucial to note that job candidates undergo a thorough medical examination to ensure their fitness for the job, with specific medical examination requirements depending on the specialty.

- What's next for the company in terms of growth and infrastructure development?

Current geopolitical circumstances necessitate new solutions for managing growing cargo traffic and increasing transportation volumes. One potential solution involves the creation of a new logistics route for exporting goods from Russia to China via the international transport corridor of the Jalinda - Mohé border crossing. In line with the Russian President's instructions, the Sakha Republic (Yakutia) government is working on the issue of reconstructing the previously existing mixed checkpoint of Jalinda and resuming the operation of the Skovorodino - Reynevo railway line.

- Does this have to do with coal transport to China and the Asia-Pacific region?

Absolutely. The Republic requires guaranteed coal exports, so the planned reconstruction of the Jalinda - Mohé mixed checkpoint will be carried out in two phases: an initial ponton bridge construction and our company's subsequent reconstruction of the Skovorodino - Reynevo railway line (formerly Jalinda). Currently, iron ore is being transported in trial mode from the Tit station to Urals metallurgical plants.

Phase Two: The Construction of a Railway to Magadan

The construction of a railway to Magadan is planned in three stages: from Lower Bestyakh to Khandyga, the second stage to Susuman (the gold capital), and then on to Magadan. As we prepare for this expansion, we're already thinking about searching and training for additional personnel. Given the current labor shortage in many industries, we're planning to recruit workers from the residents of Tomponsky and Oymyakon districts. In 2025, we plan to visit these districts to provide career guidance to schoolchildren.

- So, the job market in Yakutia is closely tied to the development of this infrastructure?

Yes, indeed. In the future, we'll require new employees, primarily track workers, operators of specialized machinery, and locomotive drivers, among other in-demand professions.

- How many new hires will be needed by 2030?

Approximately 500 more. To address this need, we primarily look to the Far Eastern State Transport University in Khabarovsk, which serves as our flagship institution for training specialists with higher education. We also work closely with the Transport Technical School in Lower Bestyakh for candidates with secondary professional education.

- What about remuneration?

For the position of locomotive driver, salaries range between 200-250 thousand rubles, depending on the pay system. Assistant locomotive drivers can expect earnings of approximately 150-170 thousand rubles. Station masters earn around 70-80 thousand rubles, with track workers making up to 120 thousand rubles.

- Beyond salary, what other support measures are in place for employees?

We're not just focused on wages; our comprehensive approach also includes providing free housing, medical services, and other benefits. Our prioritization is to offer housing to university graduates to help retain them in our company. We currently provide housing in Aldan, Tommot, and Lower Bestakh, and we plan to build a house in Neryungri by 2025. The housing is provided free of charge, with employees only responsible for utilities.

Our employees also have access to free medical services, including CT and ultrasound equipment. Additionally, we provide milk, commonly referred to as special fats, to certain categories of employees (screwdrivers, welders, and certain locomotive drivers). From 2024, we started providing free milk for the children of our employees up to three years old and children with disabilities.

Do you prioritize local hiring for local talent?

Yes, we make every effort to recruit employees from the republic. Our General Director, Vasily Vladimirovich Shimoihin, is against hiring workers from other regions on a rotational basis.

Why is that?

A rotation worker is generally less interested in achieving desired results, exercising care with equipment, or contributing to the development of the city and village where they work. Our enterprise wants employees who love their region, are committed to the growth of the Republic, city, and village where they reside, and where their children live.

Furthermore, we need to develop our cities and villages. Aldan has experienced significant change since the arrival of the railway. Witness the transformation of Tommot – we played a crucial role in the resettlement program for citizens living in dilapidated housing, and we've built an entire microdistrict there. The arrival of the railway has also transformed the village of Lower Bestakh into a logistics hub where rail, road, and water transport intersect, with water transport operations still functioning. Last year, we completed construction of the railway approach to the Cargo River Terminal on the Lena River, ensuring access to the Northern Sea Route and increasing the efficiency of direct railway-water transportation to remote northern regions of the republic.

*Translation:

So, you've joined the federal program for resettling citizens from dilapidated and hazardous housing? Is this a way to diversify your activities?
Yes, indeed. It's not our main focus, but it's necessary for the Aldan District. There are many companies in Yakutsk that deal with demolition and resettlement, but there are few in Aldan. We engage construction companies as subcontractors. Our plans include building a residential quarter with a kindergarten and school in Aldan.
Will this be just for "JDY" employees?
No, it's for everyone. The issue is that companies coming to work here often behave somewhat isolated. However, "Yakutia Railways" provides assistance to the entire Aldan District, as emphasized by Aldan's mayor, Alexander Bugai. We also have agreements with the administrations of Megino-Kangalassky and Hangalassky Districts, providing ongoing support and participating in various social projects.
Can you provide an example?
For instance, in the rural settlement of Nakharskiy 2nd наслег of Megino-Kangalassky District, the water truck broke down. District head Dmitry Tikhonov wrote to Vasily Vladimirovich asking for help. Soon after, we bought a water truck and handed it over to the rural settlement. Previously, we provided an bus for municipal transportation along the route Nizhniy Bestyakh - Churapcha. We built a waiting point at the Nizhniy Bestyakh ferry crossing. We also provided financial assistance for the construction of monuments in p.Nizhniy Bestyakh to national hero Vasily Manchary, and merchants Kushnarev and Nikiforov. This is just part of our assistance.

Of course, currently, we're trying to help participants in the SVO and their families, as our employees are serving in the Russian Armed Forces and participating in the SVO through mobilization and contract service. The company also works with funds that help SVO participants from the entire Republic.

After speaking with Vladimir Miroshnik, "YI" correspondents visited the local medical center operating under "YAKUTIA RAILWAYS", the depot where railway equipment is repaired, and the staff housing of the enterprise. It was remarkable to see that all aspects mentioned in the interview were, in fact, in operation. Yet, we will delve into the details of the medical center, the depot, and the housing in subsequent materials, as each deserves separate discussion.

Tags:
Employment at Yakutia Railways
Yakutia Railways HR Policies
Infrastructure Plans for the Republic
Expansion of Yakutia Railways to Magadan
Local Cadres for Industry Program

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In the future, Yakutia Railways plans to recruit workers from the residents of Tomponsky and Oymyakon districts to support their expansion, particularly in roles such as track workers, operators of specialized machinery, and locomotive drivers.
Beyond just salaries, Yakutia Railways offers a comprehensive approach to support employees, providing free housing, medical services, and other benefits, with plans to build housing in Neryungri by 2025, offer milk to certain categories of employees, and provide free milk for the children of employees up to three years old and children with disabilities from 2024.