NJ Transit Faces Possible Strike Or Lockout

NJ Transit will begin preparations for a strike or labor lockout on Friday if its two largest rail employee unions can't agree to a new round of negotiations before a federal mediator, according to an agency document.

The National Mediation Board sent a letter to NJ Transit and the two unions on June 16 requesting both sides delay any work stoppage and agree to negotiate, according to a letter written by Gary Dellaverson, who serves as NJ Transit’s special labor counsel.

NJ Transit agreed, but if the unions can't agree by Friday, workers could strike or NJ Transit could lock union members out by July 1, according to Dellaverson's letter.

“If no assurance can be made before June 24, the Carrier [NJ Transit] must begin executing its plan for operations in the event of a strike,” according to the letter which is dated June 21.

A work stoppage would only affect rail lines - not bus lines.

David Decker, general chairman NJ Transit Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers, would only say on the union's website: "Talks continue. Nothing to report at this time."

NJ Transit commuters faced a possible strike back in March, a work stoppage that was averted after Gov. Chris Christie announced that a coalition of 15 rail unions reached a contract deal with NJ Transit. Only 13 of 15 unions, however, ratified the deal.

The biggest question would be the kind of impact a work-stoppage would have. The agency had drawn up contingency plans when NJ Transit faced a possible March strike. NJ Transit declined to comment on the status of the negotiations.