Wafric News – May 16, 2025

North America Bureau - Train stations across New Jersey stood silent Friday morning as NJ Transit engineers walked off the job, grinding the nation’s third-busiest commuter rail system to a halt. The strike follows a breakdown in last-minute negotiations between the agency and the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET), sparking widespread commuter disruption and throwing weekend plans into disarray across the tri-state area.

With no trains running, more than 100,000 daily passengers are now left scrambling for alternatives. For thousands, that means congested roads, inflated tolls, and limited bus services. For others, it may mean missing two of the biggest events in the area this month: Shakira’s concert at MetLife Stadium Friday night and Beyoncé’s upcoming five-show residency beginning next week.

At the heart of the dispute is a fight over fair pay. Union leaders argue that NJ Transit engineers remain significantly underpaid compared to peers at Amtrak and other regional rail systems, despite a proposed deal offering backpay and the first raise since 2019. That proposal was overwhelmingly rejected—by 87% of the union’s roughly 500 members.

“They’ve got money for a luxury headquarters and pet projects, but not for the workers who move the state every day,” said BLET National President Mark Wallace. “We’re done being overlooked. We’ll stay out until we get the pay we deserve.”

Speaking late Thursday night, NJ Transit CEO Kris Kolluri and Governor Phil Murphy acknowledged the seriousness of the situation. Negotiations had continued until just before 10 p.m., with both sides agreeing the only stumbling block was the cost of the wage package—especially in light of “me too” clauses that would force similar raises for other transit unions.

Murphy struck a diplomatic tone, stating: “We deeply value our engineers, but we also have to protect the financial health of NJ Transit. A fair deal can’t become a fiscally reckless one.”

Despite the ongoing impasse, both the union and the state signaled willingness to return to the negotiating table as early as Sunday.

Commuters Caught in the Middle

NJ Transit has expanded bus service in an attempt to cushion the blow, but officials admit buses alone can only absorb a fraction of rail commuters. Passengers were urged to work from home and limit travel to essential trips only.

“Tomorrow is a great day to work remotely,” Murphy advised. “But let’s be clear: this affects the entire regional economy, not just train riders.”

The impact stretches beyond morning commutes. Concertgoers bound for MetLife Stadium face nightmarish road congestion and potential toll surcharges, including New York’s new congestion pricing scheme, which could tack on an additional $9 to already expensive bridge and tunnel fees.

Special rail service for Thursday’s Shakira concert was canceled in anticipation of the strike, leaving fans scrambling for last-minute rides. With Beyoncé’s shows looming, pressure is mounting to resolve the dispute swiftly.

Stakes High as Talks Stall

The union argues its current demand adds only $4 million more annually than NJ Transit’s prior offer—an amount they say pales in comparison to the cost of a prolonged strike or the millions spent on new offices. Engineers also cite significant attrition, with membership dropping from 500 to 450 this year as workers jump ship to better-paying railroads. Each departure, they say, costs $250,000 in training and takes two years to replace.

NJ Transit insists it has adequate staffing, though service cancellations due to staffing shortages have already plagued the system in recent months.

Still, both Kolluri and Murphy say a deal is within reach. “This is not a lost cause,” Kolluri said. “It’s an imminently achievable agreement if we can bridge the final gap.”

No Federal Intervention—Yet

Unlike recent freight rail disputes resolved by Congress, the NJ Transit strike may linger. The Railway Labor Act, which governs rail and airline labor relations, allows for Congressional intervention—but only in rare cases. Past commuter rail strikes have lasted weeks or months without federal action, and so far, no legislation has been introduced to stop this one.

Commuters are left with uncertainty—and frustration—as the situation unfolds. For now, the message is clear: plan ahead, brace for delays, and hope both sides find common ground before the region comes to a full stop.


By WafricNews Desk.