The Facts About NJ TRANSIT’s Negotiations with the BLET

At NJ TRANSIT, we are committed to transparency and believe the public deserves clear, accurate information about our ongoing labor negotiations with the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET). While we continue to negotiate in good faith, it is important to clarify several misconceptions circulating about the current contract dispute.

Below are some common claims and the facts that provide necessary context.

1. Claim: NJ TRANSIT refuses to give engineers a raise.

Fact: The BLET refused to accept the competitive wage and benefits package that all 14 other rail labor unions accepted in 2021 – the BLET was the only rail union to reject that contract. Two labor boards were appointed by the President of the United States to settle the dispute. The second board found NJ TRANSIT’s offer to be the most reasonable, which BLET refused to accept the terms. Finally, in March BLET leadership signed a tentative agreement after NJ TRANSIT enhanced its wage offer. BLET members rejected this agreement as well.

2. Claim: NJ TRANSIT engineers are underpaid compared to peers.

Fact: NJ TRANSIT locomotive engineers already have average total earnings of $135,000 annually, with the highest earners exceeding $200,000. Under the tentative agreement BLET members rejected, locomotive engineers would have averaged $172,856 as of July 1, 2027. The highest paid locomotive engineer would be earning $286,000 in 2027. These wages are competitive within the region, higher than wages at SEPTA in Philadelphia, and lower than those at MTA (Metro-North Railroad and Long Island Rail Road) in New York. Under the BLET’s proposal, the highest paid engineer’s salary would increase to $314,174 in 2027.

3. Claim: The BLET demands would not have a major financial impact on NJ TRANSIT or taxpayers.

Fact: Accepting the BLET’s current demands would cost taxpayers and NJ TRANSIT $1.363 billion between July 2025 and June 2030, $684 million more than what was tentatively agreed to by BLET leadership in March. The agency must balance the need for fair labor contracts with its obligation to maintain affordable fares, reliable service, and system-wide investments.

Accepting the BLET’s current demands would require either increasing fares by 17% beginning this coming fiscal year (FY26), an increase to the Corporate Transit Fee (CTF) by 27%, or drastic reductions to service systemwide. If BLET chooses to strike, the cost of providing limited alternative service would be $4 million per day to taxpayers.

4. Claim: Engineers want to avoid a strike.

Fact: 87% of BLET members voted down the tentative agreement NJ TRANSIT reached with their leadership.

A strike would severely impact hundreds of thousands of daily riders, disrupt the region’s economy, and undermine access to essential services. The effects would be felt across New Jersey and beyond.

5. Claim: NJ TRANSIT is losing engineers.

Fact: Since April 2021, NJ TRANSIT has maintained a full roster of locomotive engineers as well as a full pipeline of trainees.

6. Claim: A strike would only impact NJ TRANSIT rail customers

Fact: More than 350,000 daily NJ TRANSIT customers would be impacted by a strike. It is important to note, buses do not have enough capacity to replace the railroad. Without NJ TRANSIT rail service operating, existing bus and light rail customers would experience overcrowding and longer commutes. New Jerseyans would also experience additional significant traffic congestion.

A BLET strike would impact people getting to work, healthcare appointments, school and have significant economic impacts to businesses across the region.

Below, you will find statements from a range of stakeholders sharing their perspectives on the potential impact of a strike and the path forward.

Our Commitment

NJ TRANSIT deeply values the work of its locomotive engineers and all frontline employees. We remain committed to reaching a resolution that respects our workforce, maintaining equity across unions, and safeguarding the reliability and affordability of public transportation for all New Jersey residents.