Full Breakdown
NJ Transit Investigates Potential Misuse of Funds by Union Leaders Amid Staffing Crisis
9/29/2025, 9:49:20 PM
Overview of the Investigation
NJ Transit is undertaking an investigation to reclaim funds that may have been improperly paid to union leaders from the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET). This review was initiated after documents revealed instances where union officers called out of their shifts for extended periods while still receiving their regular pay. The investigation comes at a time when NJ Transit is facing significant train cancellations due to a shortage of engineers, which has frustrated commuters.
Background and Context
The investigation was prompted by a memo from Patrick McGreal, NJ Transit’s deputy general manager of rail labor relations, which indicated that payments to BLET officers for time spent in collective bargaining might have been mistakenly authorized. The memo, dated September 5, 2025, recommended that NJ Transit reclaim any payments that did not align with established criteria for company business. John Chartier, an NJ Transit spokesman, emphasized the agency's commitment to addressing concerns about the use of company resources.
Key Findings from the Review
Documents obtained by NorthJersey.com highlighted instances between October 2024 and February 2025 where four union officers were reportedly absent for weeks but continued to receive pay. In one case, a union leader was absent for at least ten consecutive weeks. NJ Transit clarified that while union officers can call out for "company business" and receive pay, they must be compensated by the union when attending to union-related matters, such as collective bargaining.
Official Statements & Responses
Thomas Haas, the general chairman of the engineers’ union, stated he was unaware of any improper payments and suggested that any discrepancies could be due to coding errors in the payroll system. He noted that NJ Transit has strict oversight regarding payment requests for union business. Haas also mentioned that the scheduling complexities, including vacation assignments and irregular work hours, could explain the extended absences of union officials.
Criticism & Opposition
Critics of NJ Transit have pointed to the agency's staffing issues as a contributing factor to the recent train cancellations. NJ Transit President and CEO Kris Kolluri warned of excessive unplanned absences among engineers, which he described as potentially coordinated job actions. Between January and July 2025, there were 152 train cancellations due to insufficient crew availability, a stark increase from previous years.
Recommendations for Improved Oversight
In response to the findings, NJ Transit has proposed several measures to enhance internal controls, including the use of a single scheduler for union officers and the implementation of new protocols for timecard approvals. Chartier stated that these recommendations aim to ensure compliance and strengthen oversight, reflecting the agency's responsibility to its customers and taxpayers.
What's Next
As NJ Transit continues its investigation, the agency is expected to finalize the total amount of funds to be reclaimed from union leaders. The outcome of this inquiry may influence future labor relations and operational protocols within NJ Transit, particularly as it seeks to address ongoing staffing challenges and improve service reliability for commuters.
