Machinists union approves contract with New Jersey Transit

A machinists union has become the first group to ratify a new contract with New Jersey Transit.

Local 1041 of the International Association of Machinists/District 19 was part of an 11-union coalition that reached deals with the agency last month. That came about 24 hours before a strike deadline.

The machinists overwhelmingly approved their deal this week, with nearly 90 percent of members voting in favor.

Each union in the coalition is voting on specific contracts for their units. If any of the unions reject their contracts, they will have to return to the bargaining table.

The unions have been working without a contract since the last one expired in mid-2011.

Once all the unions ratify their contracts, NJ Transit’s Board of Directors will vote on it. Gov. Chris Christie will then have the final say on the agreement.