New Jersey – An impending strike by NJ Transit engineers could affect around 900,000 daily commuters if no agreement is reached by May 16. The engineers, who have been operating without a contract since 2020, have voiced concerns over wages that they believe are considerably lower than those offered by comparable transit agencies.

Union Vote Highlights Concerns Over Compensation

On Wednesday, members of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen Union cast a decisive vote against a proposed wage agreement, with nearly 90% opposing the deal. The core issue cited by the union is the disparity in pay for NJ Transit engineers, who are reportedly among the lowest paid in the nation, especially in a high-cost metropolitan area.

“Our number one issue is wages. New Jersey Transit engineers are among the lowest paid in the entire country,” stated Tim Haas, Chairman of BLET. “We are significantly behind passenger railroad engineers working in this same market—that is, the New York City area. We’re far behind Metro-North, Long Island Railroad, Amtrak, PATH—all these other agencies where the New Jersey Transit engineers are leaving to go and work.”

Response from NJ Transit

In response to the union’s decision, NJ Transit expressed optimism regarding the potential for negotiation. The agency’s president remarked, “I believe a deal is still within reach, and I am committed to returning to the bargaining table immediately and meeting every day, for as long as it takes, to get it done.”

A History of Labor Disputes

This situation is not unprecedented for NJ Transit, as past labor negotiations have witnessed close calls with strikes. A notable instance occurred in 2016 when an agreement was reached just before a potential work stoppage. Currently, the urgency is palpable as engineers continue to work under expired contract terms.

The Road Ahead

With just 30 days remaining until the strike deadline, both NJ Transit and union representatives must engage in productive discussions to avert a work stoppage. The outcome of these negotiations will determine whether commuters face disruptions beginning May 16, posing significant implications for travel in the region.

Key Points

• Union members overwhelmingly rejected the proposed wage agreement.
• The strike could disrupt travel for nearly 900,000 commuters.
• NJ Transit engineers have been without a contract since 2020.
• Negotiations must occur within the next month to avoid a strike.