Rail unions claim retaliation by NJ Transit as strike deadline looms

The coalition of unions representing NJ Transit rail workers on Thursday claimed the transportation agency was engaging in retaliation and harassment against workers.

The labor coalition's statement was in response to an NJ Transit notice to employees warning that all sick leave compensation and health benefits would be suspended in the event of a strike next week.

The statement was issued just hours after an NJ Transit official seemed to indicate that both sides were making headway in the ongoing negotiations over compensation and benefits for 4,200 workers.

If no agreement is reached by Sunday, the rail workers may go on strike, plunging much of the state into traffic chaos Monday morning and leaving thousands of people with no way to get to work.

Union officials said NJ Transit's decision to issue the notice was a "draconian action" illustrating "NJ Transit's unreasonable position and unwillingness to reach an amiable solution which is fair to both parties."

A spokeswoman for NJ Transit on Thursday said the notice is required by federal law and offered no further comment.

Union officials said they are hoping to avoid a strike. An NJ Transit official who briefed reporters during a news conference Thursday said the agency would begin behind-the-scenes preparations Friday to prepare for a possible strike next week.