The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) braces for a potential strike set for September 18 by Long Island Railroad (LIRR) employees amid ongoing contract disputes. As reported by ABC7NY, union workers are in pursuit of a 15 percent raise over the span of three years, countering the MTA's proposed 9.5 percent increase. To mitigate disruptions, MTA officials have plans to employ buses to shuttle commuters to nearby Queens Subway stations should the strike proceed.
The discord between the MTA and union workers has escalated as ballots to authorize a strike were distributed amongst members of at least two unions this week. These unions, correlated with others who have previously approved a possible strike, comprise just under half of the approximate 7,000 LIRR union employees. With a work stoppage threatening the daily commute of thousands, the impasse could still be circumvented should the union, MTA, or Governor Kathy Hochul seek intervention from the White House by requesting the appointment of an emergency board of mediators, as ABC7NY indicates.
Further detailing the unfolding situation, News12 Long Island reported that a letter dated August 14th from union leaders stated the National Mediation Board's acknowledgment of a failed voluntary settlement. With the unions planning to reject the board's offer, a 30-day "cooling-off" period according to federal labor law has been triggered.
Charlton D'Souza, president of the transit advocacy group Passengers United, told News12 Long Island, "We don’t want the workers to strike. That’s not good for anyone.” He continued, expressing hope for a resolution that mutually benefits both parties. Echoing the tense atmosphere, LIRR spokesperson Tim Minton criticized the National Mediation Board by stating, “Following the statutory process, MTA has offered to arbitrate with these unions, but so far all have refused.”
