Striking a Deal: Train Engineers and New Jersey Transit CEO Meet
In an effort to resolve a strike between train engineers and New Jersey’s massive commuter railroad, talks are set to resume on Saturday and continue into Sunday, according to New Jersey Transit CEO Kris Kolluri. The strike, initiated by locomotive engineers on Friday, has impacted the rail system serving 350,000 daily riders, forcing commuters to either work from home or seek alternative transportation methods across the state or into New York City via the Hudson River.
Kolluri addressed the situation on Saturday at Newark’s Broad Street Station, announcing plans to increase the availability of buses at train stations to assist commuters during the workweek commute. However, he acknowledged that buses alone cannot accommodate the entire volume of the commuter rail system. Despite the challenges, Kolluri expressed optimism about the ongoing negotiations with the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen President Mark Wallace, emphasizing the goal of reaching a deal to restore reliable service for customers.
Uncertainty loomed over whether the two sides would meet before a scheduled National Mediation Board meeting on Sunday. Wallace, who led the picket line outside New York City’s Penn Station on Friday, emphasized the engineers’ commitment to staying on strike until a fair agreement is reached. With union members rejecting the latest labor agreement, Wallace highlighted the need for NJ Transit to offer wages comparable to those of Amtrak and Long Island Railroad to retain engineers who are seeking better-paying opportunities elsewhere. As attrition continues to deplete the ranks of NJ Transit engineers, concerns about maintaining safe and efficient train operations persist amid the ongoing labor dispute.
