Potential NJ Transit Strike: What SMART-TD Members Need to Know

Members of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) may go on strike at New Jersey Transit (NJT) as early as 12:01 a.m. on Friday, May 16. This could lead to major service disruptions across the state. While the situation is serious, SMART-TD members need to remember their own obligations and rights under the law and our union constitution.

SMART-TD Members at NJT Are Under Contract

SMART-TD members who work for NJ Transit are not involved in this potential strike. Local 60 reached a collective bargaining agreement with NJT on June 22, 2023. That agreement remains in effect through 2027. Because of this, no SMART-TD job action can take place during this BLET strike.

What are My Obligations Regarding Reporting for Duty?

New Jersey Transit is obliged to pay and to honor all aspects of the agreement it has with SMART-TD. Our organization is not a party to the work stoppage. For our members’ pay and benefits not to be interrupted, report to work at the regular time and sign the sign-in sheet NJT will provide. Make no mistake about it, signing this sheet does not mean you crossed a picket line.This merely shows you reported for duty. If ordered to do so, you may attend a training class, sign an attendance sheet, or complete recertification requirements with a clear conscience. Moving a train is where the line is drawn.

What to Do If You Encounter a Picket Line 

If the BLET strike moves forward and you encounter picketing while reporting to work, there are clear guidelines in the SMART Constitution that you should follow. Section 92 of Article 21-B states: 

“When a strike of any other nationally recognized labor organization is in effect and danger to the safety of our members exists in or about the area affected by the strike, and/or if there exists any substantial present or potential threat of danger to the members en route to or from their work, and/or to the members’ families, it is the policy of SMART to support its members in declining to enter the territory directly affected.” 

This means that your safety comes first. If you feel at risk, take these steps: 

1. Tell Your Supervisor Immediately – Let them know if you see or feel any danger. 
2. Contact Your Local Union Officers – Once you’re in a safe place, inform the union so we understand the details and can back your decision. 

A Message of Solidarity 

Even though we are not part of this strike, SMART-TD supports all workers fighting for fair treatment. As SMART-TD General Chairperson of NJT’s GCA-610, Jerome Johnson told SMART News, “While we honor the picket lines, we urge our members to seek the full facts. SMART-TD Local 60 represents the largest share of the unionized rail operations workforce on this property, and with that comes both responsibility and leadership.

We respect BLE&T’s effort to push for more than what we, along with 13 other rail unions, agreed to. But let’s not lose sight of what real solidarity means. It’s not just about making noise, it’s about standing together, making informed choices, and never losing focus on who we serve.

Local 60 will always listen to our members. We will always fight for what’s right.
We lead from the front, not behind, and we will not be second to anyone.
Our members and their families are our mission. That will never change.”

We encourage our members to stand in solidarity, when possible, but always follow the rules that protect your safety and your job.

Stay Informed 

This is a fast-moving situation. Your local officers and SMART-TD’s national leadership will keep you updated. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask.

For now, stay safe, stay alert, and continue doing your job with professionalism and care.