the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, a tentative agreement between NJ Transit and the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) was reached on May 7, offering a temporary sigh of relief for thousands of bus and light rail riders across New Jersey. However, the threat of a rail strike still looms as negotiations continue with the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET).
✅ ATU Tentative Agreement: What We Know
The tentative deal covers over 5,500 transit workers, including bus drivers, mechanics, and clerical staff. These employees are critical to NJ Transit’s operations, which support nearly one million weekday riders.
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NJ Transit CEO Kris Kolluri described the agreement as “fair and fiscally responsible.”
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ATU leaders echoed the sentiment, noting that the deal reflects a “shared commitment to workers and the public.”
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Contract details remain confidential pending a union vote.
If ratified, this agreement would avert a significant disruption to bus and light rail services statewide.
🚨 Rail Strike Still on the Table: Engineers Continue Negotiations
While progress has been made with the ATU, talks with BLET, which represents 460 locomotive engineers, are still ongoing. A strike could occur as early as May 16.
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87% of BLET members rejected a previous contract offer in April.
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The union claims engineers have gone nearly five years without a raise and are underpaid compared to peers at other agencies.
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NJ Transit argues that BLET’s request for a $190,000 annual salary is unsustainable and could bankrupt the agency.
⚠️ Potential Impact of a Rail Strike
If a strike or lockout occurs:
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All NJ Transit rail service would be suspended, including Metro-North trains operating west of the Hudson River.
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NJ Transit says it could only support 20% of regular rail commuters through contingency plans, including private buses and carriers.
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The MTA will honor NJ Transit tickets on Harlem and Hudson Lines for affected riders from Rockland and Orange counties starting May 12.
📺 Public Awareness Campaign & Mediation
The BLET plans to launch a television ad campaign next week with the tagline:
“NJT has millions for pet projects and penthouse views. Isn’t it time it paid train crews?”
Both parties are scheduled to resume negotiations next week in Washington, D.C., under the oversight of the Federal Mediation Board.
🗣️ Final Thoughts from Leadership
Kolluri emphasized NJ Transit’s commitment to reaching a deal and maintaining daily service for the 350,000 rail passengers who depend on the system.
“We are focused on protecting service and securing a fair agreement,” he said on May 9.
Stay tuned for updates as critical negotiations unfold in the coming days.
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please post their salaries, medical benefits and retirements
If passenger vehicles and commercial trucks can be made to navigate a road without drivers, why not trains? Their route is fixed; all they need to do is go and stop, easily programmed.