Spadea blames Murphy for NJ Transit strike after years of calling for privatization
TRENTON, N.J. — Republican gubernatorial candidate Bill Spadea is criticizing Governor Phil Murphy over the ongoing NJ Transit strike, despite his long-standing support for privatizing the embattled state-run transportation system.
In a statement released Friday, Spadea said, “Shame on Governor Murphy for allowing the NJ Transit negotiations to get to this point,” and accused the administration of failing to prevent the walkout by not addressing worker demands earlier.
Nine years, ago, Spadea, the radio host was singing a different tune than Spadea the politician.
He called for immediate action, warning that the current path could lead to fare hikes and tax increases.
The statement marks a shift in tone for Spadea, who previously advocated for eliminating public worker unions and turning NJ Transit over to private operators.
“Private business runs more efficiently. Let’s get government out of NJ Transit,” Spadea said in past remarks, often citing public transit systems in Tokyo and Hong Kong as models.
Now, as engineers strike over stalled wage negotiations, Spadea is arguing for fair compensation for workers, stating, “It is perfectly reasonable for the engineers and train operators to want fair compensation after working the past six years without an increase.”
Spadea has softened his stance to a more pro-union position as the June 10th election looms heavily.
Longtime privatization advocate softens stance amid campaign
Spadea’s current position contrasts with his earlier calls to abolish public-sector unions and replace NJ Transit with private operators. In past public comments, he called NJ Transit a “failed system” and pushed for what he described as “dramatic solutions” to make it profitable.
Critics say his latest comments reflect a political pivot as he campaigns for governor in a state heavily reliant on public transit. Spadea now calls for Congress to intervene under the Railway Labor Act to end the strike if state efforts fall short.
While still warning of the financial risks of a labor deal, Spadea said commuters must not be “held hostage” and urged both parties to return to the negotiating table.