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A potential strike by New Jersey Transit engineers looms, threatening to halt commuter train services for 350,000 daily riders at midnight on Friday (May 16). Contract negotiations between NJ Transit and the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) continue today in an effort to avert the strike.
The union, representing the engineers, is pushing for higher wages, claiming an average salary of $113,000, while NJ Transit states the average total earnings are $135,000. The union seeks an increase to $170,000 annually. NJ Transit CEO Kris Kolluri emphasized the need for fiscal responsibility, while the union maintains the importance of fair wages.
If the strike proceeds, it would be the first NJ Transit strike in over 40 years. NJ Transit plans to increase bus services, but warns that buses can only accommodate about 20 percent of train passengers. Additional buses will operate from Secaucus Junction, Hamilton Rail Station, and PNC Bank Arts Center, among other locations. However, commuters are advised to work from home if possible due to expected crowding and delays.
The strike could also impact events, with NJ Transit announcing it will not provide train or bus services to MetLife Stadium for Shakira concerts on Thursday and Friday.