NJ Transit Strike: Union Chairman Tom Hos Discusses Negotiations and Demands

Union's Stance on Rejected Deal

• 💡 The union operates on democracy in the workplace, meaning members have the final say on proposed deals.
• 🎯 An offer previously deemed fair by the governor was voted down by 87% of locomotive engineers, indicating it did not meet their needs.

Willingness to Negotiate

• 🤝 Union representatives, including General Chairman Tom Hos, are ready to talk anytime, anywhere to end the strike.
• 🚂 Members are eager to return to work and move trains, but NJ Transit must engage seriously at the bargaining table.

Financial Discrepancies and Cost of Living

• 💰 The union's annual ask is $4 million, a fraction of NJ Transit's half-billion-dollar building costs and one day of their contingency plan.
• 📈 Locomotive engineers are struggling due to high inflation and the high cost of living in the region, having not received a pay raise since 2019.
• ⚖️ They seek wages comparable to those in similar roles to address their financial difficulties.

Path Forward

• 🗓️ The union is open to meeting earlier than Sunday if NJ Transit proposes a meeting.
• 📝 They presented an offer the previous night and are awaiting a counter-proposal from NJ Transit to discuss.