(TRENTON) American Council of Engineering Companies of New Jersey (ACECNJ) President Joseph A. Fiordaliso issued the following statement regarding NJ TRANSIT’s current negotiations with the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET):

“It was just a few short weeks ago that we watched and applauded as NJ TRANSIT and BLET signed a historic agreement on an 8-year contract for the approximately 500 locomotive engineers responsible for operating NJ TRANSIT’s rail fleet. The divide between the two parties was bridged largely through the efforts of new CEO Kris Kolluri to engage BLET leadership in good faith and doggedly pursue an agreement to avert a May 15 work stoppage that would have devastating consequences for New Jersey and our region.

The joint statement from Kolluri and BLET General Chairman Thomas Haas on March 10th should have been the end of a long-simmering dispute, with a ratification vote from BLET’s membership a pro forma hurdle.

Unfortunately, that vote failed in spectacular fashion two weeks ago when BLET’s leadership was unable to secure the necessary approval from its own rank & file.

According to NJ TRANSIT, BLET’s newest demands would cost $684 million more than what was agreed to in March.  This would require a 17% fare increase starting in FY2026; an increase in the Corporate Transit Fee by 27%; or deep service cuts. A BLET strike would also cost New Jersey taxpayers $4 million per day to provide limited alternative service for riders.

The Corporate Transit Fee aims to provide a dedicated funding stream for NJ TRANSIT, particularly to cover operating expenses and meet matching funds required for federal grants.  ACECNJ has supported the Corporate Transit Fee as a way to reduce and eliminate the irresponsible practice of siphoning capital dollars to plug operating deficits.  BLET’s current demands would overwhelm NJ TRANSIT’s operating budget and force renewed reliance on the transfer of capital to operating.  This practice has deprived NJ TRANSIT’s capital budget of over $650 million in the last two fiscal years alone. BLET’s newest demands would jeopardize vital repairs to the inventory of tracks, catenary and stations that keep NJ TRANSIT’s system safe and in a state of good repair. These demands are irresponsible, and should be rejected outright.

BLET’s failure to ratify the agreement plunges our entire region into a state of uncertainty.  The urgency of timely ratification cannot be overstated. It is crucial to ensure the continued reliability and quality of rail service in New Jersey. Delays in ratification could disrupt service and negatively impact the lives of 164,000 commuters who rely on NJ TRANSIT each day.  A strike could result in a substantial economic impact on business, with daily revenue losses estimated at $1.3 million.

NJ TRANSIT and BLET held a public signing ceremony to mark their agreement on March 10th. NJ TRANSIT has held up its end of the deal since.  It is time for BLET to do the same.”