Workers of New York’s Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) are on strike, disrupting the busiest commuter rail system in North America. Union officials announced the strike early Saturday after negotiations with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) failed to produce a new contract.
Five unions, representing about half of the system’s 7,000 employees including engineers, mechanics, and signal operators, have initiated the strike legally starting 12:01 a.m. Saturday. Kevin Sexton, Vice President of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen, said no new negotiations are scheduled, stating, “We are very far apart at this point.”
MTA chairman Janno Lieber commented that the agency had offered the unions everything they sought in terms of wages, suggesting that the unions always intended to strike. The strike affects approximately 250,000 daily commuters who rely on the system to enter New York City from the Long Island suburbs, resulting in increased traffic and longer commutes. “It’s going to be a nightmare trying to get in,” said Rob Udle, an electrician who commutes to Manhattan using the LIRR.
The strike also hinders sports enthusiasts planning to attend events like the NBA playoffs and the New York Yankees versus Mets derby in MLB this weekend. Governor Kathy Hochul has urged LIRR users to work from home, with the MTA offering free buses during peak hours for essential workers.
In a statement, Hochul blamed union leaders for the strike, asserting that travelers face unnecessary disruptions and that many union workers are being forced to go without pay because of decisions made by a small group of union leaders. “I stand with LIRR riders and will fight to ensure the long-term stability of the MTA,” she stated.
Wage Dispute
The unions demand a total 16% wage increase over four years, citing inflation and rising living costs. The MTA claims these demands could lead to fare increases. It agreed to a 9.5% wage increase over the next three years, with an effective 4.5% increase in the fourth year.
Gary Dellaverson, the MTA’s chief negotiator, suggested the difference in positions is not insurmountable. Nick Peluso, Vice President of the Transport Workers Union, questioned whether the MTA and Governor Hochul would create congestion and lose millions in revenue due to a 1% wage difference.
Commuter Concerns
Susanne Alberto, a personal trainer from Long Island, has arranged virtual sessions with her Manhattan clients in case of a shutdown. She believes the union holds leverage, stating, “The MTA will give in, and they know it. Why not do it now instead of affecting millions?”
Electrician Udle said he might use vacation days rather than face the “nightmare” commute to Manhattan during the strike. As a union member, he understands the issues of affordability but disagrees with the pressure tactics. “I get it, costs are rising,” he said while waiting at Penn Station. “But taking everyone hostage is not the way. It’s affecting many others.”
The strike was temporarily averted in September when President Donald Trump’s administration offered to assist with negotiations, which ended without a deal. This left both sides with 60 days, ending at 12:01 a.m. Saturday, to resolve differences before workers could legally strike.
Previously, LIRR workers went on strike for about two days in 1994. Last year, New Jersey Transit’s commuter rail workers, connecting Manhattan with New Jersey, struck for three days.