For the first time in 40 years, a massive strike at NJ Transit has left over 350,000 commuters stranded and scrambling for alternatives.
After the company walked away from negotiations, the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen paralyzed New Jersey’s transportation system.
The labor action began at 12:01 a.m. today after 15 hours of failed contract negotiations between NJ Transit and about 450 engineers.
This marks the first NJ Transit rail shutdown in over four decades, leaving hundreds of thousands of commuters looking for alternative transportation options and causing widespread disruption across the state.
NJ Transit President Kris Kolluri revealed what he termed as staggering demands behind the strike.
After refusing to increase wages since 2019, the transit agency offered to raise average engineer salaries from $135,000 to $172,000.
However, union leaders countered the offer and demanded a whopping $220,000.
Kolluri declared, “I think that the proposal that they have put forward is neither serious nor does it show a signal that they are willing to collaborate to get to a solution.”
Maybe they know something that I don’t, but I’ll just say this: If they are playing a game of chicken with the lives of 350,000 riders, I think they are in for a rude surprise,” he added.
The transit agency has been struggling with what Governor Phil Murphy described as “a sobering fiscal reality.”
Union representatives have established picket lines at key locations including Penn Station in New York City, Atlantic City Rail Terminal, and NJ Transit headquarters in Newark.
Meanwhile, commuters face unprecedented disruptions, with the agency’s contingency plans only able to accommodate roughly 20% of regular rail customers through enhanced bus service.
Union officials based their demands on figures that show engineers are below the nation average.
BLET national president Mark Wallace issued a statement:
“Our members at NJ Transit had the full support of our national union, as well as the Teamsters. 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.”
NJ Transit officials point out that meeting these demands would set a dangerous precedent for negotiations with other labor groups, potentially creating a domino effect of unsustainable wage increases across the entire organization.
Meanwhile, Congress has the power to intervene but has so far shown no willingness to do so.
The strike has already caused significant disruptions beyond daily commutes, including the cancellation of train and bus services for scheduled events like Shakira concerts.
NJ Transit continues to advise riders to work from home if possible and to check their website for updates on limited service options.
Amtrak, PATH trains, and regular bus routes remain operational, providing some relief to stranded commuters.
