New Jersey Transit (NJT) trains will resume operations following a three-day strike by over 450 train engineers, which affected approximately 350,000 passengers. The strike commenced at midnight on May 16 after contract negotiations faltered, marking the first statewide rail strike for NJ Transit in over 40 years. A deal was announced on May 18, allowing service to restart on May 20, providing time for necessary inspections.
The strike centered primarily on wage disputes. Union officials expressed satisfaction with the agreement, which included wage increases that surpassed previous management proposals. Tom Haas, chairman of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen, noted that the deal not only bolstered engineers’ pay but also offered solutions for attracting and retaining staff without burdening the budget or necessitating fare hikes.
Both parties had exchanged blame for the breakdown in negotiations. NJ Transit management argued financial constraints limited their ability to meet union demands, while the union sought salaries comparable to those of engineers at competing regional rail services. Previous negotiations had led to an agreement in March, but that had been overwhelmingly rejected by union members.
Following the now-historic strike, the contract is subject to a union vote. If rejected, the union has a 30-day window to negotiate before potentially striking again. NJ Transit encouraged commuters to work from home during the strike, anticipating heavy disruptions.
Governor Phil Murphy characterized the settlement as “fair and fiscally responsible,” emphasizing the importance of resuming services for the daily ridership. Lawmakers expressed optimism and relief over the settlement, highlighting the critical role of public transit in New Jersey’s economic health and quality of life. The governor and various officials emphasized the need to focus on enhancing the transit system for the long term.
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