NJ Transit engineers call a strike, causing Friday chaos for 350,000 commuters

💲NJ Transit engineers and their union could not reach a contract agreement

💲The cost of NJ Transit's 15 other unions invoking a 'me too' clause is too costly

💲Talks may continue Sunday with the National Mediation Board

NJ Transit engineers have walked off the job, leaving 350,000 riders looking for an alternative way to work on Friday and beyond.

During a late-night press conference at Newark Penn Station, Gov. Phil Murphy and NJ Transit CEO Kris Kolluri said daily negotiations failed by the midnight deadline.

While a wage agreement was near, the sticking point was a "me too" clause that would bring every other NJ Transit union in line.

"I said I respect the offer they put in from the table. I respect the negotiation they undertook with me over the last several days. And I respect the fact that we came close to reaching a wage rate that they think they're entitled to. Those are all facts. Where we could not bridge the gap is this 'me too clause,'" Kolluri said. "There was no way in which the structure that was proposed by the union could not prevent the other unions from invoking the 'me too' clause. That is basically where the dispute stands."

Kolluri said he had already reached out to the National Mediation Board and agreed to a Sunday morning meeting to continue negotiations. BLET general chairman Tom Haas said the union would also be there.

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BLET: NJ Transit walked out

The union on Thursday night released a statement announcing a strike.

“Our members at NJ Transit had the full support of our national union, as well as the Teamsters,” BLET National President Mark Wallace said.

“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.”

Wallace's written statement accused NJ Transit management of walking out of talks after 15 hours forcing a strike. It is the first NJ Transit strike since 1983.

Members of the BLET will picket at stations that remain open despite the strike. The strike does not impact NJ Transit light rail and bus service. Amtrak services are unaffected by the strike.

Riders are on their own Friday morning as NJ Transit's contingency plan that creates park-and-ride lots at the Secaucus and Hamilton stations, Woodbridge Center Mall and the PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel will not be in effect until Monday.

NJ Transit and BLET have been in talks for much of the week, including a six-hour session on Wednesday and talks for most of Thursday. Leadership from both sides expressed optimism that an agreement would be reached.

NJ Transit Rail Contingency Plan

• Buses, light rail, PATH will run.
• Current NJ Transit bus lines to be enhanced to focus service on New York
• Four Park and Rides with supplemental bus service will operate from stations in Secaucus, Hamilton and Woodbridge plus the PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel
• No midday, late-night, weekend or reverse commute service will operate on these Park & Ride routes.
• Riders who can work from home are encouraged to do so

NJ TRANSIT will enhance peak period service on existing New York bus routes in close proximity to rail stations. The routes are as follows:

• Northeast Corridor: 108, 112, 115 and 129 bus routes
• North Jersey Coast Line: 116 and 133/135 bus routes
• Raritan Valley Line: 112 and 113 bus routes
• Morris & Essex Lines: 107 bus route
• Montclair-Boonton Lines: 193 and 324 bus routes
• Main/Bergen County Lines: 145, 163, 164 and 190 bus routes
• Pascack Valley Line: 163, 164 and 165 bus routes

Port Authority contingency plan

The Port Authority of New York & New Jersey said that some private carriers will be moving to a temporary location to accommodate additional NJ Transit arrivals and departures. The Lincoln Tunnel executive bus lane will expand its hours if needed.

PATH will maintain a regular schedule in the event of a strike.

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