NJ Transit Engineers Risk Strike, Affecting 350,000 Commuters

NEWARK, New Jersey — Negotiations between NJ Transit and its rail engineers’ union are ongoing as the clock ticks toward a potential strike set for midnight on Friday. If an agreement is not reached, all NJ Transit commuter trains will stop, affecting approximately 350,000 daily riders, according to state officials.

Governor Phil Murphy is actively involved in the talks, which resumed Thursday afternoon after more than six hours of discussions on Wednesday. Riders are being urged to travel before the deadline to avoid being stranded.

During a rally outside NJ Transit headquarters on Wednesday, members of the Brotherhood of Engineers expressed their determination, chanting, “Millions have paid their dues; it’s time to pay the train crews.” Engineer Daniel Feyjoo, who has been with NJ Transit for 19 years, emphasized the importance of the engineers’ roles, stating, “If we mess up, there’s consequences, sometimes dire consequences.”

Tom Haas, General Chairman of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers, expressed hope for a resolution, stating, “We don’t want this to be the end result. We will meet again tomorrow.”

The potential strike would be the first transit labor action in New Jersey in over 40 years, and it comes after union members rejected a previously agreed labor contract. Wages and working conditions are the key sticking points in the ongoing negotiations. The union claims members earn an average annual salary of $113,000 but are seeking a raise to $170,000.

In contrast, NJ Transit officials argue the average total earnings for engineers are closer to $135,000, with top earners surpassing $200,000. “What I can represent is the conversations have been constructive and we’re all trying to work towards the same objective,” said NJ Transit CEO Kris Kolluri.

In preparation for a potential strike, NJ Transit has outlined contingency plans that would significantly reduce transportation capacity, providing only 20% of the usual train service. Commuters who can work from home are encouraged to do so. Additional buses will be made available, but they cannot replace the full capacity of the trains.

Impacts from the strike may also extend to travel to Newark Airport, and other transit routes could experience crowding and delays. Emergency services are coordinating with NJ Transit to mitigate disruptions, while New Jersey’s commuters brace for what could be a significant travel disruption.

As negotiations continue, the urgency is palpable, with the outcome still hanging in the balance as the deadline approaches.