NJ Transit’s CEO had a message for members of the locomotive engineer’s union that is on the verge of a strike: he’s ready to negotiate anytime during the next 60 days.

A presidential emergency board has sided with NJ Transit over contract negotiations between the railroad agency and the locomotive engineers' union.

In a statement released yesterday, Eddie Hall, national president of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen, said he is hopeful that the "new guard" at NJ Transit "will choose to avoid a disruption in service by meeting with the union and working out a fair agreement that will keep the trains moving."

NJ Transit engineers are demanding a 14% pay increase, citing disparities with other systems like the LIRR and Metro-North, while NJ Transit countered with a 4% offer.

A federal panel sided with NJ Transit's contract offer to locomotive engineers, starting a 60-day strike clock.