SECOND PRESIDENTIAL EMERGENCY BOARD (PEB) REPORT DECLARES NJ TRANSIT’S OFFER MOST REASONABLE
January 21, 2025
NEWARK, NJ – NJ TRANSIT announced today that Presidential Emergency Board (PEB) 252 has issued its report, which followed last summer’s PEB 251 report, declaring the agency’s Final Offer as the most reasonable proposal in the ongoing labor negotiations. The National Mediation Board (NMB) expects to publish the full report on Wednesday, January 22. The PEB expressed its hope that the report will assist both parties in reaching a voluntary resolution to the dispute.
The PEB, established by President Biden’s executive order to provide an impartial review and recommendations, carefully evaluated proposals from both NJ TRANSIT and the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET). The PEB found in favor of the agency last summer and again finds in favor of the agency today, concluding that the agency’s Final Offer is the most reasonable. NJ TRANSIT hopes that this second PEB report will lead to continued good-faith negotiations and a voluntary settlement.
“I am pleased to learn that the Presidential Emergency Board has found in favor of NJ TRANSIT in these important labor negotiations,” said New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy. “The Board’s findings reaffirm NJ TRANSIT’s commitment to balancing fair treatment for its employees with its responsibility to provide reliable service for the people of New Jersey.”
“I am encouraged by this development and remain hopeful that both parties will use the Board’s recommendations as a foundation to reach a fair and voluntary settlement,” said NJDOT Commissioner and NJ TRANSIT Board Chair Fran O’Connor. “The continued collaboration and dedication of all involved will be essential as we work toward a resolution that supports our workers, transit riders and communities.”
“We are encouraged by the PEB’s recognition of our efforts to present a fair and reasonable offer, as evidenced by the original contract that was ratified by 14 of our 15 rail unions, and supports our workforce while ensuring the continued delivery of safe, reliable service for our customers,” said NJ TRANSIT President & CEO Kris Kolluri. “We remain committed to reaching a resolution that is both fair and sustainable for NJ TRANSIT, the hard-working men and women of the BLET, and New Jersey taxpayers. We look forward to constructive discussions with our labor partners in the days ahead.”
NJ TRANSIT is optimistic that this report will pave the way for productive dialogue and a voluntary settlement.
About NJ TRANSIT
NJ TRANSIT is the nation's largest statewide public transportation system providing more than 925,000 weekday trips on 263 bus routes, three light rail lines, 12 commuter rail lines and through Access Link paratransit service. It is the third largest transit system in the country with 166 rail stations, 62 light rail stations and more than 19,000 bus stops linking major points in New Jersey, New York and Philadelphia.