Union says Long Island Rail Road workers are striking over contract negotiations

Workers on New York’s Long Island Rail Road went on strike after negotiations with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority ended without a new contract. Five unions representing about half of the system’s roughly 7,000 workers, including locomotive engineers, machinists, and signalmen, were legally allowed to strike at 12:01 a.m. Saturday. The strike is expected to affect about 250,000 weekday riders, forcing commuters to use alternative routes or work from home, increasing traffic and commute times. It may also make travel difficult for sports fans heading to Manhattan for Knicks and Yankees games. Gov. Kathy Hochul urged riders to work from home and noted free but limited shuttle buses for essential workers. The dispute centers on wages, with unions seeking a 16% raise over four years and the MTA warning it could require fare increases.

"Labor unions representing about half the system's workers announced the walkout after negotiations with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority ended Friday without a new contract. The five unions, which represent about half the system's 7,000 workers, including locomotive engineers, machinists and signalmen, are legally allowed to go on strike at 12:01 a.m. Saturday."

"The strike will force the roughly 250,000 people who ride the system each weekday to find alternative routes into New York City from its Long Island suburbs or to work from home. That means more cars on traffic-choked highways and longer work commutes. "It's gonna be such a nightmare trying to get in," said Rob Udle, an electrician who takes the LIRR at least five days a week into Manhattan."

"The strike will even make it challenging for some sports fans to get into Manhattan to watch the NBA's New York Knicks playoff run or see the baseball rivals the New York Yankees battle the crosstown Mets this weekend. Gov. Kathy Hochul has urged LIRR riders to work from during the walkout as the MTA plans to provide free but limited shuttle buses during the work day rush hours geared toward essential workers."

"The union has demanded a total raise of 16% over four years, saying it is needed to help workers keep up with inflation and rising living costs. The MTA argued that the union's initial demands would lead to fare increases. The authority has agreed to a pay rais"

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