LIRR engineers have opened up a vote to strike amid escalating tensions between the ­Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) and management, which hasn’t had a raise in years and continues to be in mediation. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

LIRR Engineers Begin Vote on Potential Strike Action

Strike Vote as Tensions Escalate in LIRR Labor Talks

The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) called for the vote by the approximately 600 engineers on the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR). Ballots were mailed out on August 29 and must be received by September 15.

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Despite NMB supervision since February 2024, negotiations had reached an impasse. The absence of an agreement has stoked unhappiness among workers, who have not had a pay hike since April 2022.

Unions Demand a Fair Contract

Working in concert with four other unions — the Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen, the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and the Transportation Communication Union — BLET represents 55 percent of LIRR’s unionized personnel.

In the meantime, the coalition can begin a strike together as early as September 18. Failing an agreement, a Presdential Emergency Board may be sought by either side to help mediate the dispute and avert a service disruption.

Union Leaders Demand Wage Increases

Brandt asked, we are simply asking for a fair contract that either maintains or increases real wages and addresses some other issues affecting the quality of life of the members of our organization. He condemned the company for tabling concepts which would cut real wages.

Management has stood by this position, insisting that concessions are necessary to ensure the company’s efficiency. But union leaders say the company’s offers do not keep pace with inflation and rising living costs.

Source: www.progressiverailroading.com

Why are LIRR engineers voting to OK a strike?

Engineers are voting to strike because contract talks have ground to a halt, they haven’t gotten raises since 2022, and they’re pissed that management wants concessionary deals.

When might the strike happen?

Without an agreement, the unions would be able to strike as early as Sept. 18, when the federal cooling-off period expires.

What is the function of the Presidential Emergency Board?

The board may step into mediate the dispute and offer a settlement, in a bid to avert disruptions of Long Island Rail Road operations.

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