Negotiations between NJ Transit and the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers resumed Thursday to avoid a potential strike set for Friday that could disrupt transit for 350,000 commuters. Union members rallied for better wages, claiming average salaries of $113,000, while NJ Transit disputes this, stating average earnings are around $135,000. A strike would halt all NJ Transit commuter trains, prompting the agency to increase bus services and encouraging commuters to work from home if possible. Contingency plans include charter buses and direct shuttles to accommodate displaced travelers. The last transit strike in New Jersey occurred over 40 years ago.
NEW JERSEY (WABC) — Negotiations will recommence on Thursday between NJ Transit and its rail engineers’ union to attempt to finalize an agreement that could prevent a union walkout early Friday.
On Wednesday, outside NJ Transit headquarters, members of the Brotherhood of Engineers demonstrated, chanting, “Millions have paid their dues; it’s time to pay the train crews.”
“We take great pride in our work, but we also need to put food on our tables,” remarked NJ Transit engineer Daniel Feyjoo.
Feyjoo has been a locomotive engineer for 19 years and was among the demonstrators outside the headquarters.
“We are responsible for transporting people. If we make a mistake, there can be serious consequences,” Feyjoo stated.
“We hope this won’t be the final outcome. We’ll reconvene tomorrow, and we’re optimistic for a resolution,” said Tom Haas, General Chairman of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers.
A walkout at midnight on Friday would lead to the suspension of all NJ Transit commuter trains, which serve critical public transit routes between New York City’s Penn Station and communities in northern New Jersey.
A strike would affect around 350,000 commuters who travel between New Jersey and New York City. NJ Transit is the third-largest transit system in the country, operating buses and rail services in the state and providing nearly 1 million weekday trips.
Discussions have primarily revolved around wages and working conditions between the agency and the union.
The union claims its members earn an average salary of $113,000 annually and states that an agreement could be met if agency CEO Kris Kolluri agrees to an average yearly salary of $170,000.
However, NJ Transit leadership disputes this figure, asserting that engineers have average annual earnings of $135,000, with top earners exceeding $200,000.
“What I can convey is that the discussions have been productive, and we are focused on achieving a shared goal,” Kolluri stated. “They desire fair compensation, and I aim to ensure it’s economically viable.”
New Jersey Transit and BLET representatives met on Monday with the National Mediation Board in Washington, D.C., to further negotiations. A public statement from BLET was not made following the meeting, and there was no immediate response to an ABC News inquiry.
If the walkout proceeds, it would mark the state’s first transit strike in over 40 years.
Should the engineers abandon their posts, NJ Transit plans to enhance bus services, indicating it would provide “very limited” additional capacity to existing New York commuter bus routes near train stations and contract with private companies to run bus services from key regional park-and-ride locations during peak weekday hours.
Nevertheless, the agency acknowledges that these buses won’t accommodate a fraction of the usual passenger volume, urging those who can work from home to do so in the event of a strike.
If a strike extends through the weekend, NJ Transit will have additional contingency plans ready for Monday morning.
Charter buses will be available from four satellite lots across the state. Two of these park-and-ride lots will provide direct service into Manhattan.
It’s important to note: NJ Transit will not honor cross-tickets at these park-and-ride locations.
For example, a round-trip ticket from the PNC Arts Center to New York City will cost $48.
Additionally, NJ Transit plans to boost bus service on certain routes close to rail lines.
If you’re headed to the airport, the Port Authority will provide a free direct shuttle bus service from Newark Penn Station.
NJ Transit will increase the number of buses to and from the Midtown Bus Terminal using its own fleet.
PATH trains will continue to operate on their regular schedule and may add more services if the Port Authority deems it necessary.
There will be Amtrak service alongside NJ Transit buses to and from Newark Airport at Penn Station; an Amtrak ticket will be required for this service.
Port Authority buses will also be in operation. Commuter charter bus companies are expected to add thousands of seats, available for reservations throughout the week.
NYC Emergency Management is coordinating closely with NJ TRANSIT and partner agencies in anticipation of a possible disruption on Friday. If a rail strike occurs, the agency advises commuters to prepare for overcrowding, delays, and limited capacity on alternative transport options.
The looming strike is already causing some disruptions. On Monday, NJ Transit announced the cancellation of train and bus service to MetLife Stadium for Shakira concerts scheduled for Thursday night and Friday.
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey has announced that scheduled lane closures at its Hudson River crossings will be postponed on the evenings of Thursday, May 15 and Friday, May 16, to facilitate easier vehicular movement for Shakira fans driving to and from MetLife Stadium due to canceled mass transit options.
To manage increased traffic, overnight lane closures at the Holland Tunnel, Lincoln Tunnel, and George Washington Bridge, typically commencing as early as 9 p.m., will now be delayed until at least 1 a.m.
It remains uncertain whether NJ Transit will provide service for Beyoncé fans attending her shows at MetLife from May 22 to 29.
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Some information sourced from ABC News and the Associated Press
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