A potential strike by NJ Transit train engineers threatens to disrupt commutes for more than 300,000 riders starting Friday, with no clear resolution in sight. The labor dispute between NJ Transit and the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen centers on pay and working conditions. Engineers have worked without a contract since 2019.
Union officials say their members earn an average of $113,000 a year and are seeking $170,000 in annual pay. NJ Transit disputes the figures, saying engineers already average $135,000, with top earners making over $200,000.
Talks continued this week in Washington with a federal mediation board. Neither side reported progress.
A strike would halt all NJ Transit rail service, including critical lines connecting northern New Jersey to New York Penn Station and Newark Liberty International Airport. It would mark the state’s first transit strike in over four decades.
NJ Transit says it will expand bus service and contract private carriers to run from satellite park-and-ride lots. Still, officials acknowledge buses can only move about 20% of regular train passengers.
Riders are being urged to work from home if possible. PATH trains and some existing bus routes will remain operational, though demand is expected to surge.
The transit agency has already canceled service to MetLife Stadium for concerts this week and says it’s unclear if service for upcoming events, including Beyoncé’s shows later this month, will proceed.
Governor Phil Murphy said all options are on the table if a strike occurs, including a state of emergency. He remains hopeful a deal can still be reached.
The New Jersey Digest is a new jersey magazine that has chronicled daily life in the Garden State for over 10 years.
- Staffhttps://thedigestonline.com/author/thedigeststaff/
- Staffhttps://thedigestonline.com/author/thedigeststaff/
- Staffhttps://thedigestonline.com/author/thedigeststaff/
- Staffhttps://thedigestonline.com/author/thedigeststaff/