NJ Transit staff have overwhelmingly rejected a proposed contract, setting the stage for a possible strike on the railroad subsequent month.
Greater than 87% of unionized engineers rejected the deal, the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen mentioned Tuesday. A strike may begin as quickly as Could 15.
“We want to have uninterrupted rail service for all who depend on it, but we also want to reach a fair agreement for engineers,” BLET Vice President James Louis mentioned in an announcement. “If we fail to reach an agreement in the next month, we’re prepared to strike.”
The union and NJ Transit introduced a deal on March 12, simply 10 days earlier than a possible strike. However the deal nonetheless wanted the approval of rank-and-file BLET members, they usually have been evidently unimpressed.
Subway trains of NJ Transit Rail Operations, which operates in New Jersey, are seen within the Sunnyside railroad yard in Queens, New York on February 27, 2024. (Photograph by CHARLY TRIBALLEAU/AFP by way of Getty Photographs)
On the time, either side mentioned the settlement included a “reasonable” wage enhance, however on Tuesday the union mentioned wages have been nonetheless a sticking level.
“We earn less than our peers at other commuter railroads that share the same platforms,” BLET Chairman Tom Haas mentioned. “This vote count makes it clear, more needs to be done.”
NJ Transit engineers have been working and not using a contract since their final one expired on Dec. 31, 2019. The union authorised a strike again in August 2023, however federal railroad labor legal guidelines name for an prolonged course of earlier than staff really stroll off the job.
Individuals buy NJ Transit bus tickets from machines on the Port Authority Bus Terminal in New York Metropolis on Tuesday, October 24, 2023. (AP Photograph/Ted Shaffrey)
The final NJ Transit labor dispute, again in 2016, went into the ultimate hours earlier than a deal was reached and a strike was averted. NJ Transit engineers have gone on strike earlier than, hitting the picket strains for 34 days in 1983.
“My focus remains on reaching a fair and sustainable agreement that works for everyone and ensures NJ Transit can continue to provide the reliable service our customers count on,” railway CEO Kris Kolluri mentioned in an announcement.
Greater than 900,000 individuals experience NJ Transit buses and trains day by day, and it’s thought of the third largest commuter railroad within the nation.
