Union at New Jersey Transit Calls Strike 'Imminent'

The union that represents engineers who drive the commuter trains at New Jersey Transit has said that a strike starting as early as midnight on May 15 is possible. The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen is demanding pay parity with other train engineers at other regional transit systems. Labor and management met on May 12 at the National Mediation Board in Washington to try to avert a strike, however, the tone has become more harsh. Union officials have said that all contract issues have been resolved except the pay raise. Management complains that a tentative agreement was reached a month ago and both sides shook hands, but the union rank and file voted down the agreement.