New Jersey Transit Strike Disrupts Commutes for 350,000/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ A strike by New Jersey Transit train engineers left around 350,000 daily commuters without rail service on Friday. The first transit strike in over four decades stems from failed labor negotiations and demands for competitive pay. Talks resume Sunday with federal mediators as commuters brace for continued disruptions.
NJ Transit Strike Leaves 350,000 Stranded: Quick Looks
- Train engineers walked off the job Friday, halting NJ Transit rail service for the first time in over 40 years.
- Roughly 350,000 daily commuters were affected, scrambling for buses, ferries, or working from home.
- Picketers gathered at major stations, holding signs demanding better wages and respect from NJ Transit.
- Union officials say engineers are leaving for better-paying jobs at Amtrak and the LIRR.
- Negotiations collapsed Thursday night, with the union accusing management of walking away.
- Next round of talks is scheduled for Sunday, involving federal mediators.
- Gov. Phil Murphy stressed the need for a deal that’s fair to workers and affordable to taxpayers.
- Commuters faced confusion and delays, especially at Newark, South Amboy, and Hoboken terminals.
- Some travelers like Pam Watkins and Vishal Gonday struggled to find return options or reach flights.
- NJ Transit warned of limited contingency bus service, which won’t launch until Monday.
New Jersey Transit Strike Disrupts Commutes for 350,000
Deep Look
A crippling strike by New Jersey Transit train engineers threw Friday’s morning commute into chaos, stranding some 350,000 daily passengers and marking the first NJ Transit rail walkout in more than four decades. Engineers with the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) hit the picket lines after labor talks with management failed to produce a deal.
The standoff centers on wages and job conditions, with engineers demanding pay parity with regional carriers like Amtrak and the Long Island Rail Road, both of which offer higher compensation. According to union officials, the disparity has led to an exodus of skilled workers from NJ Transit.
Union: ‘We’re Not Backing Down’
“We presented our final proposal and they rejected it,” said Tom Haas, general chairman of BLET. “They walked away with two hours left on the clock.”
BLET National President Mark Wallace, speaking from outside Penn Station in New York City, said engineers are unified and “won’t budge” until they receive a fair contract. He cited last summer’s near-unanimous strike authorization and the 87% rejection of the most recent deal as proof of deep dissatisfaction.
Wallace also emphasized that NJ Transit has failed to offer competitive wages: “We’re not asking for luxury — we’re asking for parity.”
Commuters Scramble for Alternatives
At Newark Penn Station, picket signs reading “Millions for Penthouse Views, Nothing for Train Crews” and “Locomotive Engineers on Strike” greeted stunned commuters. Many were caught off guard, unaware trains had been canceled.
Pam Watkins, a nurse from Edison, was headed to work in Brooklyn and worried about getting home: “I don’t want to be figuring it out on my way back.”
Entrepreneur Vishal Gonday, trying to get to Newark Airport for a flight to India, found himself stranded: “It has kind of messed up my plans,” he told a reporter, suitcase in tow.
Some Riders Adapted Smoothly
While many faced disrupted routines, others adjusted. Zach Moran, who alternates between bus and rail for his commute to Manhattan, said he may just leave home earlier or work remotely. “It wasn’t terrible today, but Monday will be the real test.”
In South Amboy, the usually quiet ferry terminal saw increased traffic. Though only running once an hour, the 6:40 a.m. ferry had over three dozen riders, providing a vital link for some.
Still, the ferry system’s limited capacity made it an imperfect substitute for rail.
Negotiations Resume Sunday
Gov. Phil Murphy and NJ Transit CEO Kris Kolluri both acknowledged the breakdown in talks but expressed hope. Kolluri described it as “a pause in conversations” and said discussions would resume with federal mediators on Sunday.
Murphy emphasized the importance of balancing fair employee compensation with fiscal responsibility to taxpayers, adding: “We must reach a deal that is equitable and sustainable.”
Union officials reported 15 hours of talks on Thursday before negotiations collapsed.
Broader Impact and Contingency Measures
NJ Transit — the third-largest transit agency in the U.S. — provides nearly a million weekday rides, including train service to New York City and Newark Liberty International Airport. The train shutdown affects nearly all commuter rail routes across northern New Jersey, connecting to Penn Station in Manhattan.
In anticipation of the strike, NJ Transit had promised increased bus service, but the agency admitted it would be “very limited” and wouldn’t begin until Monday. As a result, riders were urged to seek alternate transportation or work from home.
Even entertainment events were affected — NJ Transit canceled rail and bus service to Thursday and Friday’s Shakira concerts at MetLife Stadium, citing staffing uncertainty.
What’s Next?
Union leaders say they won’t return to work without real concessions, while state officials continue trying to bring both sides together.
With public frustration mounting and no end in sight, Monday’s commute could be even more challenging than Friday’s if the strike continues.
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