(Reuters) -Proxy advisory firm Egan-Jones on Thursday recommended Norfolk Southern shareholders elect all seven of hedge fund Ancora Holdings' proposed director candidates to the railway's 13-member board and replace its chief executive officer at next week's election.

The war of words in the board battle between Norfolk Southern Corp. and Ancora Holdings Group intensified Monday after the activist investor clinched

The BLET Teamsters said they would back activist Ancora's efforts to oust Norfolk Southern CEO Alan Shaw in favor of new management.

Proxy adviser Glass Lewis recommended Norfolk Southern shareholders vote for six of Ancora Holdings' nominees for board seats at the railroad company, including proposed CEO Jim Barber, in a big win for the activist investor.

The railroad workers’ union is joining in the fight to oust Norfolk Southern’s (NYSE:NSC) management, backing a campaign by Ancora Holdings to add seven directors to the board and change the direction of the railroad operator.

The activist at Norfolk Southern won support of the Teamsters union, a key endorsement as Ancora seeks to convince shareholders their plan is the right option.

Ancora Holdings scored a second victory in its battle with Norfolk Southern when prominent proxy advisory firm Institutional Shareholder Services (ISS) recommended on Tuesday that shareholders elect five of the activist hedge fund's director candidates.