Breaking news this morning regarding the contract standoff between NJ Transit and the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen engineers union.

In an effort to stave off a work stoppage as soon as May 16, the National Mediation Board has called the two sides to Washington, D.C., on May 12 to negotiate.

As NJBIZ has reported, the rank-and-file BLET members overwhelmingly rejected a tentative contract agreement last month – setting off a 30-day period to bridge the impasse (May 15) before a strike or lockout could take effect.

Tensions have been ratcheting up as this negotiation comes down to the wire and talks have largely stalled. Additionally, NJ Transit has released a contingency plan if the rail lines stop next week.

In a statement, NJ Transit President and CEO Kris Kolluri accepted the NMB invitation.

“I welcome the National Mediation Board’s invitation to resume mediation in Washington on Monday, May 12,” said Kolluri. “I have always said we should avoid a strike – and not disrupt the lives of 350,000 riders.”

A spokesperson for the BLET told NJBIZ the organization is open to the NMB invitation.

“Our goal is to get a contract,” the spokesperson said, noting that this was not unexpected and that the union has participated with the NMB for mediation for years on this particular contract.

The union is holding a previously scheduled news conference to discuss the situation – as the clock continues to tick.

Please stay with NJBIZ for the very latest on this developing story.