Unions and NJ Transit resume talks to avoid March strike

Larry Higgs

NJ Advance Media

2/11/2016

NJ Transit and rail unions will be back at the negotiating table next week, continuing talks in an attempt to avert a March 13 strike.

Negotiators for a coalition representing 11 rail unions and NJ Transit will return to the bargaining table in Newark on Feb. 17, said Anthony Stevens, division chairman for Transportation Communications International Union-International Association of Machinists which represents clerical workers.

Stevens echoed opinions expressed by other union leaders that they want to avoid a possible strike on March 13 when the current federal 60-day cooling off period ends. The unions, representing 4,200 workers, have been working since 2011 without a new contract. 

"It's up to NJ Transit, the ball is in their court," Stevens said. "We have a health care issue and we hope NJ transit comes up wit a different health care proposal."

Unions have authorized a strike, but Stevens and other union leaders said they want to continue talking to avoid inconveniencing riders. NJ Transit officials they're looking for an affordable agreement. Both sides last met on Feb. 4.

"While we will not comment publicly on those talks, negotiations will continue next week," said Dennis Martin, interim NJ Transit executive director. "NJ Transit and its negotiators are empowered to reach a settlement with our rail unions that is affordable to our customers and the taxpayers of New Jersey."

Martin added that the agency has settled with bus unions which make up more than 50 percent of its union labor force.

The main sticking point is heath care costs. While two Presidential Emergency Boards heard testimony from both sides and made recommendations about wage increases and health care costs, the unions agreed with the proposal, but said NJ Transit is seeking higher premiums.

Unions object to NJ Transit's proposal, saying it will negate a proposed 2.5 percent pay increase and bring that number down to less than one percent, Stevens said.

"Our proposal calls for our members to contribute, I hope the public knows that," Stevens said. "If we stick to what the PEB recommended, it will give them the cost they're looking for an be fair to everybody."