Once again, commuters are nervously watching the clock count down to a potential NJ Transit rail strike or lock-out.

Officials of two unions, which rejected a contract settlement, said they've been meeting with NJ Transit as a June 30 deadline approaches. That's when a 60-day cooling off period ends between the agency and bargaining units representing engineers and conductors.



"We've been meeting and talks are good," said Dave Decker, Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers general chairman. "We take it one meeting at a time."



Members of the BLE and Smart Transportation Division, which represents conductors, narrowly rejected a proposed agreement reached with a coalition of 11 rail unions on March 11, averting a possible strike by 30 hours.



Now the clock ticks on a new deadline, though either side can extend talks. If engineers and conductors do strike, it would be up to Congress to vote on a bill to impose a settlement.

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An NJ Transit spokeswoman had some words of reassurance for commuters, but declined to say when the two sides are scheduled to meet again.

"We continue to negotiate and anticipate a settlement," said Spokeswoman Lisa Torbic.



Larry Higgs may be reached at lhiggs@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @commutinglarry. Find NJ.com on Facebook.



