The Republican legislative leaders want to meet with New Jersey Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen General Chairman James P. Brown to learn more about the issues that caused New Jersey Transit locomotive engineers to consider going on strike.
The locomotive engineers began receiving ballots this week if they want authorization to strike after going nearly four years without a raise – and after spending almost three years in a contract dispute with the National Mediation Board.
“Locomotive engineers are critical to New Jersey’s transit infrastructure, and they deserve a safe working environment and fair and just wages for the vital services they provide, said Senate Minority Leader Anthony M. Bucco and Assembly Minority Leader John DiMaio in a letter to Brown.
Bucco and DiMaio referred to “certain budgetary choices that have been called into question regarding NJ TRANSIT and its anticipated budget shortfall” – an apparent nod to a controversial $440 million lease for a new corporate headquarters in Newark.
“We believe full transparency on this issue is imperative given the growing operating deficits that NJ TRANSIT faces going forward,” the GOP lawmakers said.
The two minority leaders want to know how a strike might affect New Jersey Transit riders.
“Assuring riders that the quality of the services they rely on to commute to work or visit loved ones will remain consistent and affordable is extremely important, as is their safety and security,” Bucco and DiMaio stated.
Balloting for the strike is underway, with union members having until August 1 to complete them.
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