By: Richard L. Smith
New Jersey’s first statewide transit strike in more than four decades is coming to an end, following a breakthrough in negotiations reached Sunday evening, according to union officials and sources familiar with the talks.
The agreement, involving the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET), arrives just three days after the strike brought much of the state’s rail system to a halt.
While details of the tentative contract and the exact timing for the resumption of service were not immediately disclosed, Governor Phil Murphy was expected to formally announce the resolution Sunday night.
Union spokesperson Jamie Horwitz confirmed that locomotive engineers are scheduled to return to work on Monday. Sources close to the discussions also stated that a deal had been finalized and would be made public by the governor.
Despite the progress, the agreement is still subject to a ratification vote by union members—something that previously failed during earlier negotiations.
Nonetheless, Sunday’s breakthrough signals a significant step toward restoring normal operations for commuters across the state.