After three days of disruption, union officials said that the New Jersey Transit locomotive engineers strike had been resolved on Sunday afternoon.
Commuters can expect normal train service to resume Tuesday morning, ending the transport challenges thousands of New Jerseyans have experienced since the strike began on May 16.
The work stoppage centered primarily around wages, but management and the engineers reached a tentative agreement, the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET), the national union representing the workers, said.
The resolution follows intense negotiations between NJ Transit and the union. Details of the agreement have not been fully disclosed, but the union and management expressed satisfaction with the outcome.
“While I won’t get into the exact details of the deal reached, I will say that the only real issue was wages and we were able to reach an agreement that boosts hourly pay beyond the proposal rejected by our members last month and beyond where we were when NJ Transit’s managers walked away from the table Thursday evening,” BLET’s General Chairman at NJ Transit Tom Haas said.
Terms of the agreement will be sent to the union’s 450 members who work as locomotive engineers or are trainees at the passenger railroad for their vote.
“Our members at NJ Transit had the full support of our national union, as well as the Teamsters,” BLET National President Mark Wallace said. “We also appreciated the outpouring of support we received from NJ Transit passengers and the labor community, who know that NJ Transit’s locomotive engineers keep the trains moving and went years without a raise.
NJ Gov. Phil Murphy said it will take approximately 24 hours to inspect and prepare tracks, rail cars and other infrastructure before returning to full scheduled service on May 20.
“This agreement reflects the commitment of both the BLET and NJ TRANSIT to remain at the table engaging in productive conversations, and I commend them both,” Murphy said. “Most importantly, it ensures the resumption of rail service for the 100,000 people who depend on our rail system on a daily basis.”
Commuters are advised to check the NJ Transit website for the latest updates on schedules and routes.
The strike caused significant disruption for thousands of daily commuters between New Jersey and NYC. Limited alternative travel options will still be available on Monday.
More travel information is available at njtransit.com/railstoppage. Commuters can also call 973-275-5555.
