In bid to avoid strike, NJ Transit, engineers union meeting with mediators in Washington
New Jersey Transit and its engineers visited Washington Monday to meet with the National Mediation Board as part of an effort to reach a contract deal ahead of Friday's potential strike.
"We want to thank the National Mediation Board for convening today's meeting. We found the discussion to be constructive and look forward to continuing negotiations in good faith. To respect the collective bargaining process, we will not be sharing any additional details publicly at this time," NJ Transit President Kris Kolluri said in a statement.
Members of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen previously voted down a tentative agreement. The union says the only way to avert a strike is through higher wages for its 450 engineers.
"New Jersey Transit's continuing refusal to bargain in good faith has brought us all to this position," BLET general chairman Tom Haas previously said.
Kolluri, however, has said the union previously rejected a deal with a significant raise.
"Do you not remember that you met me, that you shook my hand, that you made a deal?" Kolluri said.
One of the issues is that engineers have a base salary of $89,000, according to the union. BLET says that's behind what Amtrak, PATH and Long Island Rail Road engineers make. NJ Transit argues the average salary, which includes overtime, is $135,000 a year.
Meanwhile, signs are up at Newark Penn Station to help commuters prepare for a possible strike. Click here for the latest information on travel alternatives from NJ Transit.
NJ Transit also said it would not be operating trains or bus service to Shakira's concerts at MetLife Stadium Thursday and Friday due to the possible strike.
