MTA warns commuters of derailed travel plans ahead of LIRR strike
Certain labor unions that represent nearly half of the railroad's workforce have rejected a proposed contract offering a 9.5% raise over three years.
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The MTA is warning commuters who take the LIRR that their travel plans could be rerouted due to a possible strike next week.
Certain labor unions that represent nearly half of the railroad's workforce have rejected a proposed contract offering a 9.5% raise over three years. According to the MTA, that same deal has already been accepted by the majority of other union workers.
“These five labor organizations who are among the highest paid in the nation want 6.5% more than everyone else,” said Rob Free, president of the LIRR.
News 12 spoke with commuters at Brooklyn Atlantic Terminal, who say they're planning ahead just in case.
“I’m upset about it, but I probably will work from home," said a commuter named Eric.
That's exactly what the MTA encouraged commuters to do next week ahead of the possibility of the strike which they say could happen as soon as Sept. 18. Commuters like Kahleyse Smith say that may not be an option.
"I rely on the LIRR to get here to downtown Brooklyn from Queens. If not, it would take me like two hours if I took the regular bus and subway. It's going to be an awkward conversation with my supervisor about, like, just accommodating for lateness," said Smith.
A spokesperson for the Transportation Communications Union and the International Association of Machinists accused the LIRR of spreading misinformation about the state of negotiations.
