NJ Transit prepares for potential strike

New Jersey Transit last week released a contingency plan for a potential strike by locomotive engineers represented by the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET).

BLET announced April 15 that members rejected a tentative eight-year contract with NJ Transit with 87% of votes, setting off a month-long countdown to a potential strike or lockout beginning May 16 at 12:01 a.m.

The contingency plan calls for adding limited capacity to existing New York commuter bus routes near rail stations and contracting private carriers to operate buses from key locations during peak travel periods, NJ Transit officials said in a press release.

“I have met with union leadership several times and will continue to negotiate in good faith, because a strike isn’t good for employees, and it certainly isn’t good for the 350,000 customers who depend on us every day,” said NJ Transit President and CEO Kris Kolluri.