New Jersey Transit Train Engineers: Tentative Agreement Reached to Resolve Strike Disrupting NYC Service

Published: Monday, May 19, 2025 at 12:44 am

NJ Transit Strike Averted: Engineers Reach Tentative Agreement, Service to Resume Tuesday

New Jersey Transit (NJ Transit) commuters can breathe a sigh of relief. A tentative agreement has been reached between NJ Transit train engineers and the agency, ending a three-day strike that crippled service and disrupted travel for approximately 100,000 daily riders. The strike, which began Friday, was the first transit work stoppage in New Jersey in over four decades.

The primary sticking point in negotiations was wage increases for the engineers. The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) and NJ Transit management worked to find a solution that would boost engineer pay without causing financial strain on the transit agency or requiring a fare hike. The agreement, which will be voted on by the union membership and the NJ Transit board, promises to increase hourly pay beyond a previously rejected proposal.

While details of the agreement remain confidential, the union stated that the deal addresses the wage concerns. NJ Transit CEO Kris Kolluri described the agreement as "fair and fiscally responsible." Service is scheduled to resume Tuesday at 12:01 a.m., after a 24-hour period for infrastructure inspection and preparation. Commuters are encouraged to work from home on Monday if possible.

The strike significantly impacted travel, particularly for those commuting to New York City and Newark Airport. The union had cited the need for competitive wages to retain engineers, with some seeking higher pay at other railroads. The union's national president, Mark Wallace, stated that NJ Transit needed to pay engineers a wage comparable to Amtrak and Long Island Railroad.

BNN's Perspective: This agreement is a welcome development for commuters and the state. While the strike caused significant disruption, the swift resolution demonstrates a commitment from both sides to find a compromise. The focus on fiscal responsibility is crucial, and the agreement's success will depend on its long-term financial sustainability and its ability to attract and retain skilled engineers.

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