Workers are demanding higher wages and relief from rising healthcare costs|@CentralLaborNYC|X
A strike by 3,500 workers on New York’s Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) has disrupted travel for hundreds of thousands of commuters across the New York City region.
The walkout began Saturday after unions and rail management failed to reach an agreement on pay and work rules, marking the LIRR’s first strike in more than 30 years.
Having received no raises since 2022, workers in the striking unions are pushing for a 9.5% retroactive pay hike: 3% for 2023, another 3% for 2024, and 3.5% for 2025. The MTA agreed to the proposal.
Workers also pushed for a 5% wage increase this year, a demand the MTA refused, citing its commitment to contracts negotiated with other unions.
In addition, the MTA aimed to eliminate work rules that give unionized employees higher pay.
A federal labor agency stepped in on Sunday and called both sides to mediation talks, but marathon negotiations failed to produce a deal. About 250,000 commuters now face major disruptions.
The MTA deployed 275 free shuttle buses from six stations to Queens, though they can carry only a fraction of the railroad’s usual daily ridership. Officials also warned that train service could not resume immediately, even if an agreement is reached, because crews and equipment need time to prepare.
The strike has affected travel and events, including New York Mets games in Queens, while authorities urged commuters to work from home and use limited emergency bus services.