Trump Dealing With Major New Strike?
A massive union walkout has crippled New Jersey’s public transit system, causing chaos for hundreds of thousands of residents. On Friday, nearly 400 train engineers—represented by the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen—abruptly went on strike, citing stalled wage negotiations with the state.
Commuter Chaos and Widespread Disruption
The sudden strike has thrown the daily lives of over 350,000 New Jersey commuters into turmoil. From workers trying to get to their jobs to seniors needing transportation to medical appointments, the ripple effect is massive.
NJ Transit CEO Kris Kolluri admitted the agency was scrambling to bring in additional buses, but warned the backup plans won’t come close to handling the volume. Grocery runs, job commutes, and doctor visits have all been thrown into question.
Wage Standoff: No Raise Since 2019
Union leaders say this strike was a long time coming. Engineers haven’t received a raise since 2019—despite soaring inflation and the rising cost of living. They argue the state’s offer falls far short, while state officials dispute the numbers.
A mediation meeting is scheduled for Sunday, but a Saturday sit-down between the union and state officials may provide a last-minute breakthrough.
Governor Murphy Under Fire
Democrat Governor Phil Murphy sharply criticized the union for what he called an “irresponsible” action—but residents say it’s his leadership failures that created the crisis in the first place.
Conservative critics argue that Murphy’s administration has prioritized progressive pet projects over basic infrastructure and working-class needs. Once again, it’s law-abiding citizens left holding the bag while bureaucrats dodge responsibility.
Uncertainty Ahead
For now, there’s no clear end in sight. As negotiations drag on, regular Americans—especially older adults, veterans, and the working class—are left wondering how they’ll get to work, pick up prescriptions, or simply live their lives.