New Jersey train strike: Over 350,000 people stranded, as workers demand salary hike – Top developments

Commuter chaos hit New Jersey on Friday as train engineers with NJ Transit walked off the job, triggering the state’s first transit strike in over four decades. More than 350,000 daily travellers were left scrambling for alternative transport options, while authorities warned that only a fraction of regular service could be covered. The strike, which began at 12:01 a.m., affects all NJ Transit commuter trains, as well as Metro-North’s West of Hudson lines, grinding major public rail services to a halt.

The walkout follows a breakdown in 11th-hour negotiations between the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) and NJ Transit officials. Talks had continued late into Thursday night and included mediation efforts in Washington earlier in the week, but no resolution was reached. At the centre of the dispute is a pay row, with engineers demanding substantial salary increases after five years without a raise.

Governor Phil Murphy and NJ Transit CEO Kris Kolluri urged commuters to work from home and insisted the dispute was solvable. “If they’re willing to meet tonight, I’ll meet tonight,” Kolluri said, expressing optimism that talks could resume as early as Sunday.

Despite contingency plans, the agency warned that buses would be able to accommodate only 20% of usual rail passengers. With no viable alternative for most, the strike has already disrupted not only the commute but major events such as the Shakira concerts at MetLife Stadium, which saw transport cancellations ahead of time.

Here are the top developments:

• The strike has stranded over 350,000 commuters in New Jersey and New York, disrupting travel into Manhattan and beyond.
• NJ Transit engineers, represented by BLET, are demanding a salary hike to $170,000 annually, up from their current average of $113,000. The agency claims their actual average pay is closer to $135,000, with top earners making over $200,000.
• NJ Transit says accepting union demands would cost taxpayers an estimated $1.36 billion over five years, while emergency bus services during the strike would cost $4 million per day.
• The strike follows union members overwhelmingly rejecting a recent proposed labour agreement and is blamed in part on NJ Transit losing engineers to higher-paying rail operators.
• Despite expanded bus services planned for next week, the agency admits it can serve only a small fraction of train users, fuelling fears of traffic gridlock and economic disruption.
• Experts say the strike could severely strain Manhattan’s infrastructure. Columbia University’s Sharon Di called it “a disaster in the making,” while NJIT’s Steven Chien warned it could “paralyse vital transportation arteries.”