The Long Island Rail Road may witness a strike from September 18 following the rejection by five unions of a 9.5% wage increase three-year proposed deal. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority is already preparing for contingencies in a bid to mitigate possible disruption for commuters.

This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Long Island Rail Road Strike Looms as Unions Reject Deal
Photo – MTA Long Island Rail Road

Union Disputes Involving Contract Provisions

About half the unionized workforce at the railway already has accepted the offer, but a faction of unions insists on bigger raises. The Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen, the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen, and a collection of labor unions are united in opposition.

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The National Mediation Board removed several unions from mediation August 18th and called a 30-day cooling-off period. When the period ends, one party can ask President Trump establish a Presidential Emergency Board in a bid to avert a strike.

MTA Commuter Emergency Plans

In event of a work stoppage, the MTA will use restricted shuttle buses for essential personnel. Nevertheless, officials advise passengers to work at home whenever feasible in an effort to reduce congestion and preserve safety.

However, the members of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen are currently conducting a strike authorization vote. Ballots are set for September 15 and they will establish whether the workers officially proceed with the labor protest.

When would the Long Island Rail Road strike begin?

The strike can begin as early as September 18 following the expiration of the government-enforced cooling-off period.

How is the MTA preparing for the strike?

The MTA says it is introducing limited shuttle bus service for essential workers. It also is urging other riders to work from home in a bid to reduce stress on transportation networks.

What unions are involved in the conflict?

The coalition includes the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen, the Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen, the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, and the Transportation Communication Union.

Source: www.progressiverailroading.com

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