The union representing NJ TRANSIT's 450 locomotive engineers has voted to accept a seven-year labor contract. This decision comes after a three-day strike in May over wages that disrupted the daily commutes of 100,000 riders. The contract is retroactive to 2020.
Kris Kolluri, president and CEO of NJ TRANSIT, stated that the contract approved by the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) was "fair and fiscally responsible," but did not provide further details. "From the outset, Governor Murphy and I were clear that any agreement must balance fair compensation with budgetary discipline—and this contract delivers on both," Kolluri said.
The union announced that the new contract for 2020-2027 would increase wages to "over $50 an hour" and include retroactive increases and signing bonuses. According to the union, 89% of its members participated in the vote, with 398 voting in favor (95%) and 21 opposed (5%).
"This is a member-driven union," BLET National President Mark Wallace stated. "Our members told us through an earlier vote that they wanted parity with engineers at Amtrak and other passenger railroads that share the same train platforms."
Initially, bargaining teams from both sides reached a tentative deal in March which was rejected by members in April. When no new agreement was reached before the May 16 strike deadline, engineers went on strike for three days. Trains remained idle for four days as NJ TRANSIT needed time to inspect equipment and rail lines before resuming service.
NJ TRANSIT’s Board of Directors will vote on the new contract at its next meeting on July 17.
