OMAHA, Neb. -- Union Pacific Corp. will trim up to 2,000 jobs through attrition this year, according to a wire service.

The company announced the move Thursday, when it also said it earned $275 million, or $1.06 a share, for the fourth quarter, soundly beating analysts' expectations despite the slow economy.

The work force will shrink by 1,000 to 2,000 workers during 2002, depending on how strong the economy is, said Executive Vice President Joe Young.

The railroad cut 2,000 jobs in 2001, leaving the company with less than 48,000 workers.

Spokesman John Bromley said the attrition numbers for 2002 are based on projections and do not specify where or what kinds of jobs would go unfilled.

They would be achieved through normal operations and retirements, he said.