NJ Transit engineers strike continues into day two as union and transit officials work to reach an agreement.
Union members and state officials in New Jersey continued negotiations over the weekend to resolve a strike that shut down NJ Transit rail lines for a second consecutive day. The strike, initiated by approximately 450 engineers at midnight on Friday, significantly impacted daily commuters, leaving around 350,000 passengers reliant on alternative transportation options, primarily NJ Transit buses, to travel to Manhattan.
Meetings were convened between NJ Transit President Kris Kolluri, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, and representatives from the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) in hopes of reaching an agreement before the anticipated rush hour on Monday. Governor Murphy emphasized the necessity of these discussions, reinforcing their commitment to resolving the labor dispute efficiently. The initial meeting was proposed by the union on short notice, indicating the urgency of the situation.
Kolluri acknowledged the increased demand for bus services due to the rail shutdown but reassured the public that NJ Transit managed to accommodate commuters satisfactorily, stating that the bus services were operating effectively, despite congestion. The agency deployed measures to mitigate the impact of the strike, including utilizing additional bus services to handle increased passenger loads, notably for events such as the Shakira concert at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
At the heart of the labor dispute is the engineers’ compensation. Currently, NJ Transit engineers are compensated at a starting rate of .78 per hour, significantly less than their counterparts at Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) and Metro-North, whose rates are .92 and .20 per hour, respectively. Attempts to broker a fair wage increment had previously resulted in a tentative agreement which was ultimately rejected by a substantial majority (87%) of BLET members.
As the strike extended into its second day, both parties expressed a desire for a resolution. NJ Transit officials reiterated their aim to provide a fair contract that does not create future fiscal burdens, emphasizing the importance of a balanced approach that ensures stability for the agency and its workforce. Kolluri suggested that the agency stands ready to resume operations promptly once an agreement is reached, underscoring their readiness to “wake up the railroad.”
In light of the ongoing disruption, commuters have been advised to consider remote work options if the strike does not resolve by Monday, as the situation continues to evolve. The state remains engaged in the negotiation process, hopeful for outcomes that will mitigate the impact on the traveling public and restore normalcy to New Jersey’s transportation network.
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