N.J. Transit 'Harassing, Retaliating' Against Workers, Union Says

The Coalition of Unions representing more than 4,000 workers for New Jersey Transit says the transportation organization is harassing the employees in the middle of a negotiation for a new contract.

In a statement released by the union Thursday afternoon, it was announced New Jersey Transit Vice President and General Manager R.M. Lavell issued a notice to all employees stating that in the event of a strike all existing positions will be suspended; all employees on sick leave will no longer receive sick leave compensation; and all striking employees will have their insurance benefits discontinued effective the first day of the strike.

The notice is required by federal law, according to Nancy Snyder, spokeswoman for New Jersey Transit. But the timing rubbed the union the wrong way.

“It is apparent that NJ Transit’s notice to the Coalition members represents retaliatory action and harassment of the Coalition members,” the union said in a joint statement. “This draconian action taken by NJ Transit while the Parties are engaged in the negotiation process illustrates NJ Transits unreasonable position and unwillingness to reach an amiable solution which is fair to both Parties.”

The union continued, “We object to N.J. Transit’s conduct in this matter while the parties are fully engaged in the negotiating process. Such an action [on N.J. Transit’s] part is counterproductive to reaching an amiable solution through the negotiating process.”

The two sides met face to face in Newark Thursday with a strike set to begin at 12:01 a.m. Sunday if a new contract – the first in five years – is not settled.