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 and Other Properties 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. 

The same applies to SMART-TD members working on Amtrak, PATH, and other properties that intersect with NJT service. These members are covered by separate agreements and must continue working unless directed otherwise by union leadership. 

What Constitutes Crossing a Picket Line?  

Taking a train with a non-BLET engineer is crossing a picket line, but performing any duties like attending a training class, signing an attendance sheet, or completing recertification requirements is absolutely not crossing the line. You can do these things with a clear conscience, especially if ordered to do so. 

New Jersey Transit is obliged to pay and to honor all aspects of the agreement it has with SMART-TD if 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. This proves you reported for duty. Make no mistake about it, signing this sheet does not mean you crossed a picket line. 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 -oute 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. Write It Down – Keep a record of what you saw and why you felt unsafe. 

3. 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. 

Legal Limits on Sympathy Strikes

It’s important to understand that refusing to cross a picket line is not always protected. Courts in New Jersey and New York have ruled that even if your contract doesn’t say anything about strikes, carriers like NJT, PATH, or Amtrak might still get a court order to stop sympathy strikes. 

SMART supports your right to protect your safety, but any decision to stay off the job must be based on real danger, not simply solidarity. 

A Message of Solidarity 

Even though we are not part of this strike, SMART-TD supports all workers fighting for fair treatment, an idea echoed by General Chairperson of NJT’s GCA-610 Jerome Johnson.

“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 BLET’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.