A potential labor strike involving NJ Transit locomotive engineers is on the horizon, threatening New Jersey’s first rail strike in over four decades. With a deadline looming at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, the union representing approximately 450 engineers, the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET), has not reached an agreement with NJ Transit management.
Despite discussions held with federal mediators in Washington, D.C., tensions remain high, and a walkout by the engineers remains a strong possibility. The crux of the disagreement is centered on wage parity; the NJ Transit engineers are seeking comparable salaries to their counterparts at the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) and Metro-North. Currently, LIRR engineers earn an hourly wage of $49.92, and Metro-North engineers earn $57.20. In contrast, NJ Transit engineers start at $39.78 per hour.
Though a tentative contract was reached in March, which proposed a pay increase to $49.82 per hour, it was overwhelmingly rejected by the union members, with 87% voting against the agreement. The LIRR is currently in negotiations, and any potential pay parity is considered to be temporary according to BLET’s N.J. leader, Tom Haas.
If a strike occurs, no NJ Transit trains will operate. However, the transit agency is preparing alternatives for commuters. Buses belonging to NJ Transit, which recently secured a contract agreement for their drivers, will still be operational. They plan to implement “park and ride” routes to facilitate travel, linking key locations such as Secaucus Junction to the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Manhattan and other transit stations.
Historically, NJ Transit rail strikes are uncommon. A serious labor dispute in 2016 was averted with last-minute negotiations. The last time engineers walked off the job was in 1983, during a strike that lasted 34 days.
While the situation is delicate and uncertain, there’s hope that a resolution can be reached before the deadline, ensuring continued service and minimizing disruption for commuters. The commitment from NJ Transit to provide alternative transport options demonstrates a proactive approach to supporting riders during this period of uncertainty.