On May 16, 2025, NJ Transit train engineers went on strike for the first time in over 40 years, affecting approximately 350,000 New Jersey and New York City commuters.
AP News reported that the strike started a month after union members overwhelmingly rejected a labor agreement with management.
“We presented them the last proposal; they rejected it and walked away with two hours left on the clock,” said Tom Haas, general chairman of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen, AP News Reported.
Many NY and NJ residents were unaware that the strike was taking place and were waiting for trains that were never going to show up. Those who were aware had to leave extra early and find alternate routes.
Early reports suggested the strike hadn’t caused major traffic jams or long lines for buses. Friday rail commutes from New Jersey into New York are usually the lightest of the week. However, there was major confusion as passengers tried to figure out other routes and extra costs.
NJ governor Phil Murphy says the deal needs to be fair to employees and affordable to New Jersey’s commuters and taxpayers.
Workers are urging NJ Transit to offer engineers wages comparable to those at Amtrak and the Long Island Rail Road, as many are leaving for better-paying jobs at those agencies.
The next talk to reach an agreement is set for Sunday with the help of federal mediators.
