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1/22/2025
Editor's note: This article was edited to include a link to the report.
The Presidential Emergency Board has declared New Jersey Transit's final offer as the most reasonable in its labor negotiations with the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen , but the union has rejected the PEB decision.
The BLET's decision to turn down the PEB decision now sets off a 60-day cooling off period before a strike can occur at NJ Transit.
Then-President Joe Biden formed the first PEB in July 2024 to provide an impartial review during a dispute between NJ Transit and the union. The board's recommendations were not accepted, and the board dissolved. A second PEB was appointed in November 2024, and presently found in favor of NJ Transit, agency officials said yesterday in a press release.
The full PEB report was posted by the National Mediation Board today and can be read in full here.
“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 and CEO Kris Kolluri, who was appointed in December 2024.
The 60-day waiting period ends at 12:01 a.m. March 22, at which point a strike or lockout could occur. The 494 BLET members who work for NJ Transit previously voted unanimously to grant BLET’s National President Eddie Hall authority to call a strike when allowed, BLET officials said in a separate press release.
BLET officials said they hope with newly appointed Kolluri in office, the commuter railroad will meet with the union to work out an agreement without a service disruption.