New Jersey Transit train engineers reach tentative deal to end strike that halted NYC routes

In Newark, New Jersey, train engineers of New Jersey Transit have agreed to a tentative deal on Sunday to end their three-day strike that had disrupted service for approximately 100,000 daily passengers. This included routes to Newark airport and across the Hudson River to New York City. The union announced that its members would resume work on Tuesday, with trains going back to their regular schedules.

The strike, which began on Friday, marked the first transit strike in the state in over four decades. During this time, commuters had to find alternative transportation methods like buses, cars, taxis, and boats, or even consider staying home. The main issue that led to the strike was how to give wage increases to the engineers without negatively impacting the transit agency’s finances.

Initially, the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen stated that regular train services would resume on Monday, but later, it was clarified by a union spokesperson that the service would restart on Tuesday at 12:01 a.m. NJ Transit explained that the delay was necessary to inspect and prepare the infrastructure before resuming full service.

The union shared that the agreement’s terms would be sent to its 450 members who work as locomotive engineers or trainees at the passenger railroad. The union’s general chairman at NJ Transit, Tom Haas, highlighted that the main point of contention was wages, but they were able to reach an agreement that increased hourly pay beyond the previous proposal rejected by members.

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy expressed satisfaction with the agreement, calling it a positive outcome that is fair to the employees and affordable for commuters and taxpayers. NJ Transit CEO Kris Kolluri added that the deal was fair and fiscally responsible, thanking the union for negotiating in good faith.

While buses would be available on Monday, both Murphy and Kolluri encouraged commuters to work from home if possible. The deal will undergo a ratification vote by the national union and will require approval from the NJ Transit board at its next meeting on June 11.