NEW JERSEY – Senate and Assembly Republican Leaders Anthony Bucco and John DiMaio sent a letter to the NJ Transit train operator’s union requesting a meeting to address concerns prior to a possible strike.
The Republicans expressed support for the 500 engineers represented by the New Jersey Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen, but also worried that one million NJ Transit riders would be negatively impacted if a deal couldn’t be reached before the union votes to strike on Aug. 31.
“We are writing to you regarding a potential strike of the roughly 500 NJ TRANSIT locomotive engineers. It is our understanding that a vote will take place before August 31 and we would like to meet with you beforehand to discuss our mutual concerns. We are aware that NJ TRANSIT locomotive engineers have not received a raise since October 2019—despite rising inflation and cost of living expenses. Locomotive engineers are critical to New Jersey’s transit infrastructure, and they deserve a safe working environment and fair and just wages for the vital services they provide,” the lawmakers wrote.
“As you may be aware, there are certain budgetary choices that have been called into question regarding NJ TRANSIT and its anticipated budget shortfall. We believe full transparency on this issue is imperative given the growing operating deficits that NJ TRANSIT faces going forward. Another concern we all share is how a potential strike would impact transit riders. As you know, one million customers a day use NJ TRANSIT’s trains, busses, light rails, and Access Link services. Assuring riders that the quality of the services they rely on to commute to work or visit loved ones will remain consistent and affordable is extremely important, as is their safety and security,” the law makers wrote.
“We hope that you will accept our invitation to meet to discuss these mutual concerns and to work together for the benefit of engineers, transit riders and all of New Jersey,” the lawmakers wrote.
