LIRR strike threat: MTA labor lawyer says worker walkout is avoidable, but unions say they are far from deal | amNewYork

"There is no reason the agency cannot ink a deal with five Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) unions to avoid their 3,500 workers going on strike this Saturday. The lawyer, Gary Dellaverson, who is retired but serving as the MTA's labor counsel amid the negotiations, told reporters that the agency and unions should be able to reach an agreement by Thursday two days ahead of the threatened May 16 strike date."

"There is no reason why a deal can't be reached and sent out for edification by the rank and file and approval subsequently by the MTA board, before everybody goes crazy on Friday, Dellaverson said during a May 13 news conference at the MTA's Lower Manhattan headquarters. He also noted that the unions made a material move for the first time in negotiations this week, but would not specify what the move was."

"However, Gov. Kathy Hochul said the buses will hardly be a full replacement for rail service. She advised Long Islanders to work from home, if they can, should the strike happen. I want to be clear that these buses will not be able to replace full Long Island Rail Road service, she said during an unrelated Wednesday press event. That's why the MTA has encouraged employers and employees on Long Island to plan for work from home early next week if a strike occurs."

"Dellaverson insisted the MTA has put all of the money the unions have been requesting on the table at this point. But union leaders have characterized the agency's offer as a gimmick. The labor lawyer said"

An MTA labor attorney said the agency can reach a deal with five Long Island Rail Road unions to prevent a strike by May 16. He said an agreement could be finalized and sent to rank-and-file members for review, followed by approval by the MTA board before disruption escalates. He noted unions made a material move during the week but did not specify it, and he said the MTA has already put the money the unions requested on the table. Union leaders said claims of being close to a deal are unrealistic and characterized the agency’s offer as a gimmick. The governor said contingency shuttle buses would not replace full rail service and advised working from home if a strike occurs.

Read at www.amny.com