The flier “alleged to represent the thoughts of a small — more like tiny — group of U.P. employees who take exception to our efforts to increase diversity,” he wrote in the statement to employees also given to The World-Herald. “The thoughts expressed were misguided — I cannot square them with the U.P. I know and love.”

Fritz said the railroad’s efforts to increase diversity paid off in the bottom line.

“Diversity of thought, perspective, skill and strengths enhances our results, and I am working very hard to increase diversity at U.P.,” he said.

The flier said less-qualified minorities had been hired in favor of more-qualified white men.

“We have sat back and watched as blacks and other minorities run around us for promotions based on nothing more than race and gender,” it said. “We believe it to be reverse racism and discrimination against white men.”

Fritz countered that charge in his message to employees, saying people must earn their positions at U.P. and their promotions. Union Pacific employs 8,000 in Nebraska and around 44,000 people nationwide.