Texas Appeals Court says Union Pacific can shut down its Palestine Shops, but wait.......
March 9, 2024 - PalestineHerald.com -
After a win in 2023, Anderson County suffered a loss in 12th Court of Appeals in February.
Thursday, Feb. 22 the 12th Court of Appeals issued an opinion declaring the 1954 agreement between Palestine and Union Pacific to be unenforceable, potentially bringing an end to Union Pacific's facility and staff in Palestine
“Our lawyers will file a Motion for Rehearing and, if necessary, a Petition for Review before the Texas Supreme Court,” said Harris Lohmeyer. “Under the Texas Civil Practices and Remedies Code, this opinion and judgment are automatically stayed, pending further appeals. This means that the required employment positions at Palestine will remain in place until all appeals are completed. This is a David vs Goliath scenario. Twice before, we lost all the way until the last rulings, where we came out on top. All we can hope for is the best outcome for the employees.”
The background of this case spans 150 years and has been discussed at length in multiple court hearings. The crux of the case hinges on whether the 1954 agreement is contractual and exactly what it obligates Union Pacific to do.
The current fight began in April 2021 when Union Pacific Railroad met with Palestine staff and told them they had 60 days until the Palestine car facility closes.
Photo credit: Palestine Herald-Press