NJ Transit Engineers Overwhelmingly Reject Contract Offer, Strike Looms for May 15

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the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood Nj, the threat of a rail strike in New Jersey is growing after NJ Transit’s locomotive engineers voted overwhelmingly to reject a tentative labor agreement, with a staggering 87% voting “no”. The high turnout — 93% of eligible union members — sends a powerful message as the agency faces increasing pressure to return to the bargaining table.

🚆 Union Pushback Over Pay and Priorities

According to Tom Haas, General Chairman of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers, the rejection stems from long-standing frustrations with NJ Transit’s financial priorities.

“For years, we have faced managers who prioritized spending on pet projects — including a half-billion dollars for a corporate headquarters with penthouse views — but those same managers couldn’t find an extra dime for their train crews,” Haas said.

The union has cited years of stagnant wages, understaffing, and a lack of investment in frontline railroad workers, even as NJ Transit moved its executive operations to a lavish new headquarters in Newark earlier this year.

⏳ What Happens Next: 30-Day Countdown to Strike

The rejection of the contract kicks off a 30-day cooling-off period, meaning that if no new agreement is reached, locomotive engineers could legally strike as early as May 15.

This scenario mirrors previous contract showdowns:

• 2016: A last-minute deal avoided a strike just hours before the deadline.

• 1983: The last time NJ Transit faced an actual railroad strike.

NJ Transit President and CEO Kris Kolluri expressed disappointment over the vote but vowed to return to the table immediately.

“My focus remains on reaching a fair and sustainable agreement,” Kolluri said. “I believe a deal is still within reach, and I am committed to meeting every day, for as long as it takes, to get it done.”

💼 What’s at Stake for Riders and the Region

If a strike were to occur, it could cripple rail service across New Jersey, disrupting daily commutes, Amtrak connections, and access to New York City. With NJ Transit carrying over 100,000 rail passengers daily, the impact would be felt across the entire tristate area.

The breakdown also raises broader concerns about public transportation funding, workforce morale, and infrastructure priorities in New Jersey.

📅 Timeline Recap:

• Tentative Agreement Reached: Earlier this year (date not publicly specified).

• Union Vote Results Announced: April 2025.

• Cooling-Off Period: Now in effect.

• Strike Possible: As early as May 15, 2025.

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