News Summary
Unionized Long Island Railroad workers are gearing up for a possible strike starting September 18, 2023, due to unresolved wage disputes. The unions are demanding a 15% raise over three years, asserting it is necessary to cope with rising living costs. The MTA has prepared contingency plans, which may impact over 200,000 daily commuters. With voting on strike support currently underway, the situation is tense as various unions negotiate with MTA for a fair contract amid frustrations over stagnant wages.
New York—Unionized Long Island Railroad (LIRR) workers are preparing for a potential strike scheduled to begin on September 18, 2023, unless an agreement is reached over wage disputes. The unions are demanding a 15% raise over a three-year period, which they claim is necessary to keep pace with rising living costs and inflation.
The MTA has outlined contingency plans, including deploying buses to Queens Subway stations, for commuters who rely on the LIRR for transportation should the strike go ahead. This could disrupt the daily commute for over 200,000 New Yorkers who depend on the LIRR each week to get to their jobs in the city.
Voting on strike support is underway this week among members of at least two unions, while two other unions have already authorized a strike action last month. Together, these four unions, representing approximately half of LIRR’s 7,000 union workers, are involved in ongoing negotiations with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA). The unions previously rejected a contract offer that was accepted by the majority of other LIRR workers, including those from MTA bus and subway services. That contract provided a total of 9.5% wage increase over three years.
As negotiations advance, locomotive engineers and other workers have expressed frustration with stagnant wages, which have not seen an increase in the past three years. The deadline for strike ballot voting is set for September 15, and if these unions opt for a strike, it could significantly impact LIRR services.
Current bargaining discussions involve the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, the Transportation Communications Union, the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, and the Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen. These negotiations follow the unions’ decision in 2023 to dissociate from the larger International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers (SMART), with the aim of securing better contract terms.
Historical context indicates that a work stoppage, while not unprecedented, could provoke significant disruptions. The LIRR previously experienced a three-day strike in 1994, though many strikes have been averted in recent years, with notable last-minute settlements occurring in 2014.
The National Mediation Board has determined that both sides have been unable to reach a voluntary settlement. Additionally, a 30-day cooling-off period under federal labor law was initiated on August 18, 2023, which allows for potential intervention from the White House. If no such intervention is requested by the union, MTA, or Governor Hochul, a strike could commence following the end of this period.
Union officials argue that the proposed wage increases are insufficient, given the high inflation and the increased cost of living. The situation remains tense and continues to develop as all parties involved prepare for the possible outcomes of the impending negotiations and votes.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- ABC7 New York
- Wikipedia: Long Island Rail Road
- PIX11
- Google Search: LIRR strike 2023
- New York Post
- Encyclopedia Britannica: LIRR
- New York Daily News
- Google News: LIRR strike negotiations
Author: STAFF HERE NEW YORK WRITER
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