Possible LIRR strike could paralyze commuter travel next week
The MTA has yet to reach an agreement with five labor unions representing nearly half of the LIRR workforce, including train engineers.
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Long Island Rail Road commuters may be facing major disruptions next week, as a potential strike looms that could bring train service to a standstill. The strike, which could begin Sept. 18, would affect 270,000 daily riders — dramatically increasing commute times and creating logistical headaches across the region.
The MTA has yet to reach an agreement with five labor unions representing nearly half of the LIRR workforce, including train engineers. The dispute centers around pay increases and longstanding work rules that the Metropolitan Transportation Authority says are outdated and costly.
What's at Stake?
The unions 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.
Currently, the average pay for an LIRR train engineer is about $160,000 per year.
One of the key sticking points in negotiations is a work rule that grants engineers an extra day's pay if they operate both a diesel and an electric train in the same shift. MTA officials argue this is an outdated and expensive policy that needs to be reformed.
“We’re not just looking to take these work rules,” Free explained. “We’re offering for them to be compensated a fair value for these work rules.”
Contingency Plans — and Frustration
In the event of a strike, LIRR officials are urging people to work from home if they can. For those who can’t, the MTA will offer limited shuttle bus service during weekday peak hours from three Long Island stations to subway connections in Queens.
Hicksville and Ronkonkoma
Buses to Mets-Willets Point, near Citi Field
Bellmore
Buses to Howard Beach, near JFK Airport
But riders say even these accommodations would make an already long commute significantly worse.
“I don’t want to think about it,” said Levittown commuter Tim Baxter.
Union Response
A spokesperson for the Transportation Communications Union and the International Association of Machinists accused the LIRR of spreading misinformation about the state of negotiations.
All five unions involved have either voted to authorize a strike or are in the process of doing so. Without a deal, the strike could begin just days before the Ryder Cup — an event expected to bring increased travel to the region.
