US: New York's Long Island railway workers go on strike

"Workers for New York's Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) went on strike on Saturday, halting the busiest commuter rail system in the United States. Some 3,500 workers are taking part in the strike, including locomotive engineers, machinists and signalmen. This is the first time the LIRR rail workers have staged a strike in 32 years. A group of five unions called their workers to participate in the walkout after negotiations with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) ended without a deal."

"Both sides of the labor dispute said the fight centered on wage increases and health care premiums. The International Brotherhood of Teamsters union said rail workers have gone three years without raises during the bargaining process. Kevin Sexton of the National Vice President of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen said no new negotiations are planned between the two sides. "We're far apart at this point," Sexton said."

"For its part, MTA chairman Janno Lieber said the agency "gave the union everything they said they wanted in terms of pay" and that to him it was apparent the unions always intended to walk out. MTA said that the union's initial demands would lead to fare increases. The strike is expected to cause severe disruption. This weekend, the strike could make it challenging for suburban sports fans to get into Manhattan."

"MTA plans to provide free, limited shuttle buses for essential workers. The LIRR system serves nearly 300,000 passengers per day, connecting New York City and its boroughs with suburban Long Island. But it would be most troubling for workers if the strike continue"

Workers for New York’s Long Island Rail Road went on strike, stopping the busiest commuter rail system in the United States. About 3,500 workers, including locomotive engineers, machinists, and signalmen, participated. The strike was the first LIRR walkout in 32 years and followed negotiations with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority that ended without an agreement. The dispute centered on wage increases and health care premiums. The Teamsters said workers had gone three years without raises, while union leaders said no new negotiations were planned. The MTA said it provided the pay the unions requested and warned that initial union demands would raise fares. The strike is expected to cause severe disruption, with limited free shuttle buses planned for essential workers.

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