"Kevin Sexton, national vice president of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen, stated that a strike would halt service on the country's busiest commuter railroad, which 'would be a disaster for Long Island.' He emphasized the importance of the system to the community, saying, 'No one wants a strike; our friends, our families, our neighbors, our communities rely on this system.'"
"The LIRR union members have not had a raise since their last contract expired nearly four years ago, and they have been at loggerheads with the MTA for months over pay increases. The MTA has proposed changes to work rules, including double pay for engineers operating both diesel and electric locomotives in the same shift."
"A Presidential Emergency Board found that a pay increase of 14.5% over four years and a $3,000 lump sum payout for the workers was reasonable. The board also recommended that both sides agree on a new rule to require electronic payroll systems for workers, moving away from paper timekeeping systems."
Leaders of five unions representing Long Island Rail Road workers announced a potential strike on May 16 due to stalled contract negotiations with the MTA. Workers have not received a raise in nearly four years. The MTA seeks changes to work rules and additional tasks for clerks. A Presidential Emergency Board recommended a 14.5% pay increase over four years and a $3,000 lump sum payout. If no agreement is reached by the deadline, workers are legally allowed to strike, which would disrupt service on the busy commuter railroad.
Read at Gothamist
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