A possible NJ Transit strike is looming for commuters and anyone else that uses the roads. What do I mean by anyone else; well the simple fact is if the strike does occur the roads will be packed with people trying to get to work. And for those who have been commuting by car it could mean that your commute travel time could be tripled or worse.

You might find it a good idea to come up with a contingency plan, just in case the worst happens. For those who can work from home, you have no problem, but for everyone else I suggest that you look at the following link- Possible NJ Transit Strike. You will find information on what will still be running and where you can get a bus ride into New York City.

Now I will address some of the issues that have brought the unions to the point at which they more than likely will go on strike. One of the big sticking points is healthcare insurance costs; for even if they get the raise the union is asking for it would be wiped out by the 20 percent higher cost of insurance payments that New Jersey Transit is asking the workers to absorb.

Stephen Burkert, chairman of SMART, a coalition of unions involved in the negotiations said “the major issues that divide the two sides — wage increases, workers’ health care payments and contract length — are still on the table.” One of the big problems is that the operating budget for New Jersey Transit’s operating budget is extremely tight and the agency can not afford to raise the union workers salaries without raising the cost for the people who ride the rails to get to work. And the cost of getting to work is cutting into the amount of money that people have to spend on nonessential items, such as buying a new car or television, etc.

Some people have blamed Governor Christie for this whole situation, as under his watch the unions have been working without a contract and New Jersey Transit’s budget has not been expanded to allow for proper upkeep of equipment or allowing for raises. The problem is that we do not get enough funds from the Federal Government and Christie does not want to burden the ridership with higher ticket prices.

Another criticism is that the Governor is not attending the contract negotiation talks and has gone on vacation in Florida at a critical time. Well somehow I think that if Christie did attend the negotiations, nothing positive would occur as everyone would expect Christie to be a negative influence. I personally think that by staying away the Governor is trying to downplay the possibility of a strike and keep the negotiations from becoming a negative atmosphere where everything pivots on what Christie says or does.

Let’s allow the professional negotiators to do their thing and hope for the best outcome for all.

Update as of March 12th–

Negotiations have averted a strike. New contract must be ratified by union membership. Governor Christie promises that there will be no rate hike for at least one year.

That is my opinion- Jumpin Jersey Mike