Size Matters
When Size Keep You from Getting a Job
Story by Josh Schmidt // Photo by Richard Babcock

For the past five years, I have documented various forms of western railroading -- everything from the South Pacific Coast to the Coyote Depot. It is safe to say that I am a train buff. I learned about the railroad firsthand while helping the yardmaster at a local yard.   Since the first day, I knew that I wanted to be a railroader.

I recently applied to work for the Burlington Northern Santa Fe railroad. Having tried to get on the railroad for at least four years, I was astounded when the BNSF offered me a chance to attend an interview for an Assistant Signalman position.   An assistant signalman makes sure the signals are working. Anything from changing signal bulbs to running wire along side of tracks would be done. Having prior experience on construction sites and having acquired mechanical skills, I knew my "dream job" of being a railroader was a few feet in front of me. I was going nuts! This would also be the big break to get me and my family out of San Jose, and afford to buy a house somewhere in the Valley.

I would first have to pass the mechanical test at the first interview. The heat was on. About three days later I got an email from BNSF letting me know I passed. I made it to the second interview. That following Friday was the date, and I was happy to travel to Stockton to prove to the human resources lady that I was the right one for the job. I felt comfortable at the interview, and I must have done something right because a couple weeks later, I got the job offer! I was going to be an Assistant Signalman.

All I had to complete were a standard strength test, drug test and a physical. The strength test was a breeze. I was told on the spot that I continuously pushed and pulled 80 lbs on each arm, and passed with a high score. The drug test was flawless. I passed all aspects of my physical as well.  

After completing my physical I got an email stating that I was not qualified for the job due to "extreme obesity." Apparently, my Body Mass Index (BMI) was too high. Body Mass Index is a calculation using your height and weight to determine obesity. I felt like this was some kind of cruel joke. I had to have my wife review the e-mail to see if I was reading it right. I immediately got on the phone and called the company to see if there was some kind of error, but there wasn't. I explained that I have only worked physical jobs and have played sports most of my life. Hard work is no stranger to me.

I appealed the decision with BNSF's Medical Department. I wrote a letter explaining that I may be big, but I have no health problems. I even included a letter from my last employer vouching the fact. Time went by and I did not want to lose this job, so I tried to keep in touch with their human resources. She replied to my emails stating that she could not guarantee my job. I eventually lost the job. About a month later I received a letter from Dr. Arthur Freeman of the BNSF medical department. The letter stated that if I dropped 50 lbs and held it for a documented six months, they might consider me for hire, should the job be offered to me again. I was officially depressed reading the letter. I felt like a failure, and because of what? Prejudice.  

It doesn't feel good to be discriminated. I never thought I would be told I was too big for a job. The job qualifications never stated, “Overweight people need not apply.” I'm 26 years old and at 6 foot 2", 350 lbs, I am a big guy. I always have been. I just never thought I would lose a job opportunity for it.