A significant disruption in public transportation has occurred in New Jersey, following the decision by over 450 locomotive engineers to strike due to unresolved wage disputes. The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) initiated the strike after failing to secure a satisfactory agreement with NJ Transit. This action led to the suspension of railway services starting at midnight on Friday, affecting one of the largest transit systems in the country.
After months of negotiations, a tentative deal reached on March 10 was deemed insufficient by BLET members, who opted for industrial action instead. NJ Transit President and CEO Kris Kolluri expressed regret over the inability to finalize the contract but reiterated his commitment to continuous negotiations until a resolution is achieved. During this period, NJ Transit implemented a "safe shutdown," allowing ongoing trips to complete before halting all new departures post-midnight.
Governor Phil Murphy highlighted the impact of the strike on approximately 350,000 commuters, urging employers to facilitate remote work options to alleviate pressure on alternative transport systems. He emphasized that resolving the issue at the negotiation table would be more constructive than through strikes, calling for a fair yet affordable settlement.
In response to the service suspension, emergency bus services have been arranged to provide limited support, though these can only accommodate about 20% of the usual rail clientele. Governor Murphy outlined plans to enhance existing bus routes near rail stations and collaborate with private carriers to offer supplementary services from designated Park & Ride locations during peak hours.
Murphy is scheduled to discuss the situation further at Aberdeen-Matawan Train Station on Friday morning. The hope remains that ongoing discussions will lead to a swift resolution, restoring essential train services for countless daily commuters reliant on NJ Transit.