New Jersey Transit Rail Strike Ends with Tentative Wage Agreement

17 May 2025

New Jersey Transit workers strike in New Jersey

NEW YORK - New Jersey Transit's first rail strike in over four decades concluded on Sunday after the agency and the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) reached a tentative agreement on wage increases. The strike, which began at 12:01 a.m. on May 16, had halted train services for tens of thousands of commuters

The walkout was initiated by approximately 450 NJ Transit engineers following the collapse of a 15-hour negotiation session on May 15. The union claimed that NJ Transit negotiators exited the talks at 10 p.m. without reaching a consensus on wage adjustments. The strike significantly disrupted daily commutes, with NJ Transit implementing contingency plans, including expanded bus services and urging remote work.

Under the new agreement, which still requires ratification by union members, the proposed wage increases exceed both the previously rejected proposal and NJ Transit's earlier final offer. Governor Phil Murphy praised the deal, stating it was a positive outcome for labor, taxpayers, and commuters.

NJ Transit announced that train services would resume on Tuesday, allowing time for necessary inspections and preparations. In the interim, the agency plans to continue its contingency measures to accommodate commuters.

This resolution marks a significant step towards restoring normalcy for New Jersey's commuting public and highlights the importance of continued dialogue between labor unions and transit authorities.