NJ Transit Engineer Strike: 300,000 Commuters Affected, Shakira Concert Impacted

NJ Transit rail engineers' strike brings New Jersey's commute to a standstill, affecting over 300,000 daily riders. The unexpected strike, which began at midnight on May 16th, 2025, caused widespread disruption. NJ Transit suggested that commuters work from home if possible. The governor warned that the situation could trigger a state of emergency. The union representing the 460 engineers stated that the rising cost of living and competitive salaries in other sectors were the driving forces behind the strike. A spokesperson for the union, whose name was not provided in the video, stated "The cost of living has increased, and competition pays more." While NJ Transit is working on a contingency plan that includes additional bus service, it won't be fully operational until Monday. Even then, it's expected to handle only a small percentage of the usual train commuters. To mitigate the impact on concert-goers, train service to MetLife Stadium was cancelled on Thursday, the day of Shakira's performance, to prevent attendees from being stranded after the show. The situation highlights the challenges faced by transit workers and the ripple effects of labor disputes on the public.