The LIRR strike has shut down service on the country’s busiest commuter rail system. Five labor unions representing Long Island Rail Road employees walked out. 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

The walkout began at 12:01 a.m. today, Saturday, May 16. Talks with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority ran Thursday and Friday. They failed to produce a contract agreement. The unions involved are:

  • the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen;
  • the Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen;
  • the International Association of Machinists;
  • the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers;
  • the Transportation Communications Union.

The main unresolved issue has been the fourth-year wage increase in a proposed new contract. The unions have sought a 5% raise. The MTA offered 3%. Also, the authority said that figure could rise if the unions accepted work-rule concessions.

LIRR strike follows failed wage talks

“We are truly sorry that we’re in this situation,” BLET National Vice President Kevin Sexton said, according to a Newsday report. “We do not know the duration of this strike at this time.” The unions said the two sides remained “far apart,” and no new negotiations were scheduled.

Meanwhile, both sides quickly blamed each other for the failed talks.

“This strike would not have happened if the MTA and LIRR offered our members the reasonable terms the government recommended multiple times,” BLET President Mark Wallce said on the union’s website, referring to the non-binding recommendations issued by two Presidential Emergency Boards. “But management refused.”

MTA CEO Janno Lieber said in a statement, “I — and this MTA board — have made it clear that we cannot responsibly make a deal that implodes MTA’s budget. … “And we refuse to make a deal that puts it on riders and taxpayers to fund outsized wage increases — far beyond what anyone else at the MTA is getting — and for folks who are already the highest-paid railroad workers in the country.”

Separately, Newsday reported that Sexton said the union was willing “to move down a little bit” from its 5% wage demand. He also said a late MTA proposal included new health care contributions for LIRR employees.

Officials respond to the strike

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said in a statement that without the LIRR, “life on Long Island as we know it is not possible.” She called the strike “reckless,” saying the unions are “demanding contracts that could raise fares as much as 8%, pit workers against one another, and risk tax hikes for Long Islanders.”

Late Friday, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani wrote on social media that “City Hall and agencies across the administration are actively coordinating preparedness and contingency efforts to help maintain continuity for commuters and support New Yorkers as conditions evolve. New Yorkers should prepare for heavier-than-usual traffic, crowded transit options, and additional transit time.”

Commuter impact and shuttle bus service

The loss of LIRR service is expected to affect the railroad’s service area immediately. The impact would become greater on Monday. More than 256,000 people use the commuter railroad on Monday, according to 2025 ridership figures.

If the strike continues into the work week, the MTA will begin offering shuttle bus service from six locations at or near LIRR stations. It has urged workers to stay home if possible. Also, the agency recommends using a Long Island bus system to reach subway service. It has designated five subway stations as the best drop-off and pickup locations because they are near major roadways.

First Long Island Rail Road strike since 1994

This is the first strike involving the LIRR since June 1994. At that time, the railroad was shut down for two days. It comes exactly one year after the start of a strike by NJ Transit engineers. That strike was settled in three days. Still, service did not resume for another day after an agreement was reached.

That NJ Transit settlement gave engineers pay increases in exchange for some changes to work rules.

News on railway transport, industry, and railway technologies from Railway Supply that you might have missed:

Don’t miss…Melbourne Suburban Rail Loop to receive $A 3.8bn