LIRR strike negotiations are continuing today between the Metropolitan Transportation Authority and coalition leaders. The five-union coalition represents about 3,500 MTA Long Island Rail Road employees. Without an agreement, the unions could begin a strike at 12:01 a.m. on May 16. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

LIRR strike negotiations near May 16 deadline
Photo: MTA Long Island Rail Road. LIRR strike negotiations near May 16 deadline

What the LIRR strike negotiations involve?

The unions are seeking wage improvements. Their request is meant to keep pace with the cost of living on Long Island. According to the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen, BLET National President Mark Wallace authorized a strike on May 8. That authorization applies if the MTA and the unions fail to reach a deal.

MTA officials said a strike would affect nearly 300,000 daily LIRR passengers. The agency said it expects negotiations with the unions to continue. Also, it advised riders to prepare to find alternative transportation. The contract dispute has been ongoing. Meanwhile, the unions previously threatened a strike over the same agreement in September 2025.

In addition, the coalition includes these unions:

  • BLET
  • Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen
  • International Association of Aerospace Workers
  • International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers
  • Transportation Communications Union

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