Potential LIRR strike delayed until May as MTA pushes for work rule changes
For daily riders, the possibility of a strike remains a concern. Some commuters say reaching a fair deal is the best way to keep trains running.
The threat of a Long Island Rail Road strike has been pushed back until at least May, but MTA leaders say any agreement with unions must include major changes to how work is done.
Contract negotiations between the MTA and five LIRR unions have been stalled for months, with no direct talks since September. The unions are seeking a 16% pay raise over four years, arguing it is necessary to keep up with the rising cost of living. The MTA has countered with a 9.5% increase over three years.
The dispute took center stage Tuesday during a legislative meeting, where MTA CEO Janno Lieber said the agency is willing to pay higher wages but only if unions agree to eliminate what he called outdated and costly work rules.
“We are willing to pay more to those Long Island Rail Road unions provided they also agree to work with us to eliminate wasteful, antiquated work rules,” Lieber said.
Lieber pointed to practices such as engineers earning double pay when operating both diesel and electric trains in the same day, and triple pay for moving trains in rail yards to prepare for the morning commute.
“It’s costing people a lot of money, and we can’t afford service if we pay for that kind of stuff,” he said.
For daily riders, the possibility of a strike remains a concern. Some commuters say reaching a fair deal is the best way to keep trains running.
“We want to save money, but as a worker, you’re working really hard and it’s hard to make ends meet and they don’t make a ton,” said Mineola resident Jillian Baum.
Hempstead resident Kayla Dukes added, “We should give them everything they want because they do a big job and they support people in the city and Long Island.”
Last month, the unions called on the White House to appoint a second Presidential Emergency Board. The first board recommended pay raises of 14% over four years, along with other improvements.
The second PEB starts a 60-day clock, with contract recommendations expected by mid-March. If no agreement is reached after a required cooling-off period, a legal strike or lockout could begin as early as mid-May.
