NJ Transit and its largest union announces tentative agreement, but talks with rail engineers continue to skid

From Camden and Cherry Hill to Trenton and the Jersey Shore, what about life in New Jersey do you want WHYY News to cover? Let us know.

NJ Transit reached a tentative agreement with its largest union Wednesday, offering a potential breakthrough as negotiations with rail workers grew increasingly strained.

Details of the agreement were not available pending the Amalgamated Transit Union notifying its members. The union represents bus drivers, clerical workers, mechanics, Light Rail workers and other maintenance workers.

NJ Transit President and CEO Kris Kolluri said in a statement that the tentative agreement “reflects a shared commitment to our more than 5,500 dedicated employees represented by the ATU, our valued riders, and New Jersey taxpayers.”

Union officials also hailed the agreement and their relationship with the transit agency.

“Together, we have achieved a contract that delivers much-needed improvements, ensuring that our transit professionals are recognized and rewarded for their hard work and commitment to serving the public,” said Ray Greaves, the union’s international vice president, in a statement. “We are optimistic that this agreement will pave the way for a stronger future for our members and the communities they serve.”

The announcement comes a day after Kolluri railed against the NJ Transit Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen, or NJ BLET, the union representing rail workers. A work stoppage that would shut down rail service could begin as early as May 16, if an agreement is not reached.

Train engineers overwhelmingly rejected a tentative agreement in April.

Kolluri said the proposal put forth by NJT BLET would cause fares to increase by 34%, or the corporate transit fee to go up by 37%.

“If they are playing a game of chicken with the lives of 350,000 riders, I think they are in for a rude surprise,” Kolluri said. “I don’t play games.”

He said the union’s counter sought an average salary of $225,000. But Tom Haas, chairman of the NJT BLET, said that number was not put on the table, according to News 12 New Jersey.

The agency unveiled a contingency plan last Friday if an agreement is not reached.