With a potential strike by locomotive engineers approaching in mid-May, NJ Transit is advising riders who are able to work from home to do so. This recommendation comes amid the possibility of major service disruptions to a rail network that transports approximately 350,000 passengers each day. The situation follows a reported breakdown in negotiations with the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers, whose members recently voted against a tentative agreement, making a strike possible as early as May 16, a situation detailed by Gothamist.
NJ Transit President Kris Kolluri, in a conference that CBS News reported on, emphasized a singular priority to maintain a plan for customers, also acknowledging the possible impact on Metro-North's west-of-Hudson service.
The contention, according to Kolluri, lies in the engineers' wage demands, which he deems unrealistic, considering the state's financial ecosystem. "Members who live in New Jersey, who work in New Jersey, somehow believe that they are entitled to make wages like they live in New York and work in New York," he argued, in a statement obtained by Gothamist.
The union, which includes 450 locomotive engineers and trainees, argued that their members have not obtained a raise since 2019 and have seen significant reductions in overtime since then. According to Gothamist, they are seeking a 3% annual pay raise, while NJ Transit points to a current average engineer earning of $135,000, a number inclusive of overtime.
Commuters needing to traverse the New Jersey borders into New York City have been advised to consider alternative transport options including Amtrak trains, ferries or enhanced bus services, which NJ Transit states will attempt to improve busy lines, particularly those aimed at New York City. "We intend to take the current bus lines that exist and enhance them where appropriate and target our focus on New York City because 40% of our riders go to New York every day," Kolluri elaborated, as told to CBS News. However, he was clear that space would be limited and essential workers will be prioritized.
The potential strike highlights the operational dependencies between workers, commuters, and city transit systems. In preparation for a possible walkout by engineers on May 16, NJ Transit is advising riders to avoid purchasing monthly passes and instead use daily tickets through its app to allow for greater flexibility during the period of uncertainty.
