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2w ago

NJ Transit Rail Engineers Strike, Halting Service for 350,000 Commuters

The first NJ Transit strike in over 40 years begins after failed negotiations over wage disputes, straining the third-largest U.S. transit system.

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An electronic display advises commuters of potential NJ Transit service disruptions at the Secaucus Junction station in Secaucus, N.J., Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

Overview

  • The strike began at 12:01 a.m. on May 16, halting all NJ Transit commuter rail services and impacting approximately 350,000 daily riders in New Jersey and New York City.
  • Negotiations between NJ Transit and the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen failed to resolve disputes over wages, with engineers demanding pay parity with regional counterparts.
  • NJ Transit has implemented a contingency plan with limited bus services, covering only about 20% of rail passengers, and is urging commuters to work from home if possible.
  • Governor Phil Murphy is considering emergency measures to address the disruption but emphasized the need for a solution that balances fairness to workers with fiscal responsibility.
  • This marks the first NJ Transit strike since 1983, highlighting broader financial challenges, including a looming $767 million budget shortfall when federal pandemic aid expires in 2026.