Long Island Rail Road union leaders and Metropolitan Transportation Authority officials returned to the bargaining table Monday, May 18, as about 3,500 rail workers continued a strike that has halted service for hundreds of thousands of commuters.
The strike began at midnight Saturday and marks the first LIRR strike in more than 30 years. According to the MTA, the shutdown has disrupted travel for more than 300,000 commuters across Long Island and New York City.
Five rail unions are participating in the strike. The International Brotherhood of Teamsters said workers have gone four years without raises and accused management of refusing recommendations from federal panels and union negotiators to reach a deal.
“Our members kept Long Island moving through every challenge thrown at this railroad, and they deserve dignity, respect and a fair contract,” International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers President Brian Bryant said in a statement.
“The MTA and LIRR had every opportunity to settle this dispute and avoid a strike. Instead, they chose delays, concessions and disrespect.”
Union leaders said federal labor panels have repeatedly supported wage increases for railroad workers as the cost of living continues to rise across Long Island and the New York metro area.
“This dispute is about more than just a contract,” the coalition of unions said in a joint statement. “It is about respect, dignity and the future of bargaining on the Long Island Rail Road.”
Hochul urges commuters to work from home
Gov. Kathy Hochul and MTA officials urged commuters to work remotely if possible as the strike continues.
“We all know that the railroad is the lifeblood of Long Island,” Hochul said during a Sunday news conference. “The bottom line is: No one wins in a strike.”
Hochul backed the MTA’s negotiating efforts, saying officials had offered “meaningful wage increases” during talks.
She also warned the strike could worsen traffic congestion ahead of Memorial Day weekend and said meeting union demands could lead to fare hikes or higher taxes for Long Island residents.
“As governor, my priority is to fight for affordability for all New Yorkers, and this strike puts that affordability at risk,” Hochul said.
MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber said negotiations continued Monday, adding that the agency’s most recent proposal gave unions “everything they said they wanted in terms of pay.”
Limited commuter options available
The MTA has implemented limited shuttle service between Long Island and Queens for essential workers and commuters unable to work remotely.
Shuttle buses are operating:
Major shuttle routes include:
The Nassau Inter-County Express bus system is also providing connections to subway stations in Queens and Brooklyn.
Officials encouraged commuters to check the Long Island Rail Road website for updated shuttle routes, passenger drop-off locations and alternative transportation options.
When could the strike end?
It remains unclear when the strike will end.
State and MTA officials said they are concerned negotiations could stretch into Memorial Day weekend, which begins Friday, May 22. Talks were continuing Monday in an effort to reach a final agreement.
This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: LIRR strike enters third day as commuters face disruptions
Reporting by Alexandra Rivera, New York Connect Team / Rockland/Westchester Journal News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
