Overview

• The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) and NJ Transit reached a tentative agreement on May 18, resolving a wage dispute that led to the first statewide rail strike since 1983.
• The strike, which began on May 16, disrupted service for approximately 350,000 daily riders, forcing commuters to rely on alternative transportation options such as buses and carpools.
• The tentative agreement includes wage increases for the 450 engineers, addressing their demands for pay parity with regional railroads, but details remain undisclosed pending union member review and ratification.
• NJ Transit officials stated train service will resume on May 20 after a 24-hour period for safety inspections and equipment checks to ensure readiness.
• The agreement requires ratification by BLET members and approval by the NJ Transit board, with final votes scheduled for June 11.