New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy addressed the public Friday morning following the commencement of a strike by NJ Transit engineers. The strike, the first of its kind in decades, has disrupted transportation for thousands of commuters across the state. Governor Murphy stated, "It did not have to come to this," expressing his belief that a negotiated agreement could have been reached.
The governor emphasized the need for both sides to return to the negotiating table and work towards a resolution that addresses the concerns of the engineers while minimizing the impact on the public. Details of the specific points of contention between NJ Transit and the engineers' union have not been fully disclosed, but reports suggest that issues surrounding wages, benefits, and working conditions are central to the dispute.
The strike is expected to cause significant delays and disruptions to NJ Transit services, including train lines and bus routes. Commuters are advised to seek alternative transportation options and allow for extra travel time. The governor's office has stated that they are closely monitoring the situation and are prepared to take steps to mitigate the impact of the strike on the state's economy and residents. Further updates will be provided as negotiations progress.
NJ Transit Strike: Gov. Murphy Says Agreement Was Possible
New Jersey commuters faced disruptions Friday as NJ Transit engineers began a strike. Gov. Phil Murphy expressed his disappointment, stating that the strike was avoidable. He emphasized the importance of finding a resolution to minimize the impact on the state's residents. Negotiations between NJ Transit and the engineers' union had been ongoing for several months before reaching this impasse.
Source: Read the original article at CBS