For over five years, the engineers at NJT have fought for a new contract, and fought for wage increases to reflect the demanding nature of their jobs. These men and women are responsible for the 172,000 people in New Jersey who rely on the New Jersey Transit system every day, working long hours to ensure the safety of each and every passenger.
Yesterday, non-stop contract talks took place, but no agreement on a wage increase was reached between the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) and NJ Transit managers, despite the transit agency having the funds for a raise. When NJ Transit managers walked out of the talks shortly before 10 p.m., this left BLET with no other choice but to strike at midnight on Friday.
“Our members at NJ Transit had the full support of our national union, as well as the Teamsters,” said BLET National President Mark Wallace. “NJ Transit has a half-billion dollars for a swanky new headquarters and $53 million for decorating the interior of that unnecessary building. They gave away $20 million in revenue during a fare holiday last year. They have money for penthouse views and pet projects, just not for their front-line workers. Enough is enough. We will stay out until our members receive the fair pay that they deserve,” he concluded.
In accordance with the terms of the Railway Labor Act, and the previously announced strike deadline of 12:01 a.m., Friday, May 16, NJ Transit’s 450 engineers and trainees will be on strike today. Picket lines began at locations across the system at 4 a.m. on Friday. Among the locations being picketed are:
- NJ Transit’s Headquarters in Newark (2 Gateway Center),
- Penn Station in New York City (8th Avenue and 33rd Street entrance),
- The Atlantic City Rail Terminal in Atlantic City
BLET members at NJ Transit have been seeking a new agreement since 2019. In August 2023, the members of the local union voted unanimously to grant the BLET National President the authority to call a strike when it became lawful to do so and if a deal had not been reached.
NJT’s engineers make at least $10 less per hour than engineers who work for passenger railroads that share the same train platforms as NJ Transit.
At the New Jersey State AFL-CIO, we stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen who are currently on strike. Each of these dedicated and hardworking members deserve to have a new contract and receive wages that reflects the invaluable work they do each day.
We support the BLET’s decision to withhold their labor for the wages and contract they have earned and hope that they are able to come to a fair resolution with NJT soon.