News Summary
The Long Island Rail Road faces a potential strike as five unions representing local workers weigh a walkout beginning September 18. This move could affect nearly half of the LIRR workforce, impacting tens of thousands of commuters. Union demands include a 16% wage increase over three years, while the MTA has proposed a 9.5% raise. In response, the MTA has outlined contingency plans, including shuttle services for essential workers. Governor Hochul is working to avert a strike amid concerns about commuter disruptions, especially with major events like the Ryder Cup approaching.
New York – The potential for a Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) strike looms larger as five unions representing local workers weigh the option of a walkout, which could commence on Thursday, September 18. If the strike occurs, it could impact nearly 3,400 union members, accounting for about half of the LIRR workforce.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul has commented on the situation, attributing the unrest to previous actions taken by the Trump administration, noting that it is unusual for a president to allow strikes to progress without intervention. The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen, which represents a majority of LIRR workers, is currently holding a vote to authorize a strike, with results expected on Monday.
The primary issue at hand is wage negotiations; the union is seeking a 16% raise over three years, while the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has proposed a 9.5% raise. MTA CEO Janno Lieber has expressed concerns over the rising costs of overtime and emphasized the need to prioritize the requirements of riders.
In anticipation of a potential strike, the MTA has outlined contingency plans including limited shuttle bus services, which will operate every 10 minutes during weekday peak hours. The shuttle service is designed for essential workers commuting into Manhattan and will be available from 4:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. and returning from Long Island between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Shuttle buses will connect key LIRR stations to subway transfer points in Queens.
For those carrying September monthly tickets who are affected by a strike, the MTA has indicated that prorated refunds may be available, pending board approval. Commuters from Nassau County are advised to use NICE buses to connect to the subway at Flushing-Main Street or the Jamaica Bus Terminal in Queens. Local officials are particularly concerned about increased traffic congestion as riders may choose to drive instead of taking public transit.
Farmingdale’s mayor has voiced specific concerns regarding the potential impact of a strike coinciding with the upcoming Ryder Cup event, expected to draw significant crowds to the area. Governor Hochul is actively working to avert the strike, although it remains unclear if she is seeking assistance from the Trump administration. Hochul has indicated that she is in ongoing discussions with both unions and the MTA to reach a resolution that will benefit the over 300,000 residents who rely on LIRR services.
The LIRR Bargaining Coalition has signaled the need for prompt negotiations to ensure reliable services for passengers. However, MTA President Rob Free has criticized the unions for not negotiating in good faith, pointing out that their last offer was made a year ago. He further noted that most LIRR workers are among the highest-paid railroad staff in the nation, averaging $160,000 per year when including overtime pay.
Given the uncertainty surrounding the strike, the MTA is advising riders to consider remote work options if possible. Customer ambassadors will also be stationed at LIRR stations to assist passengers should service disruptions occur. Union leaders involved in the negotiations have not been reachable for comment regarding their demands and proposals, leaving many commuters anxious about the looming strike and its potential effects on the LIRR network.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- ABC7 New York
- Wikipedia: Long Island Rail Road
- CBS News New York
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Transportation
- Fox 5 New York
- Google News: LIRR strike
Author: STAFF HERE NEW YORK WRITER
NEW YORK STAFF WRITER The NEW YORK STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewYork.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New York, the five boroughs, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as New York Fashion Week, Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and Tribeca Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce and United Way of New York, plus leading businesses in finance and media that power the local economy such as JPMorgan Chase, Goldman Sachs, and Bloomberg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBuffalo.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into New York's dynamic landscape.
