NJ Transit Engineers Union and Management Head to Mediation Over Strike Threat

Looming Strike and Mediation Efforts

• 🚆 NJ Transit engineers face a potential strike as the deadline to reach a deal is Friday, May 16th.
• 🤝 Both the union and NJ Transit management have been called to Washington, D.C. to meet with a mediator from the National Mediation Board.

Union Demands and NJ Transit's Position

• 💰 The union's primary demand to avert a strike is higher wages for its members, stating engineers are over 15% behind Long Island Railroad, Amtrak, and PATH engineers.
• 🗣️ The union claims NJ Transit is refusing to bargain in good faith, citing a new commercial appealing to commuters.
• 💼 NJ Transit CEO asserts the union walked away from a deal that included a significant raise, while the union argues the proposed salary is not enough for engineers.

Salary Discrepancies and Commuter Concerns

• 📊 The average base salary for NJ Transit engineers is $89,000, with an average full-time salary of $135,000 including overtime.
• 😟 Commuters express worry about the potential strike's impact on their daily lives, including getting to work and seeing family, despite NJ Transit's contingency plan involving more buses.

Potential Government Intervention

• 🏛️ The union suggests Congress and the President could intervene to stop a strike.
• 🚫 However, former President Trump indicated a hands-off policy when asked about getting involved, and President Biden did not commit either way.

Contingency Plans

• ⚠️ In the event of a strike, NJ Transit's contingency plan is set to go into effect on Monday, May 19th.