Long Island Rail Road faces possible strike as MTA negotiations stall

The Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) could see a walkout by its 3,500 unionized workers as early as Saturday, May 16, if a new contract is not reached. The dispute centers on wages: unions representing five LIRR unions are demanding a recurring 5% raise to keep pace with rising living costs, while the MTA offers a lump‑sum amount equivalent to a 4.5% raise, bringing the total contract value to $133 million.

MTA labor counsel Gary Dellaverson said a deal could be finalized by Thursday, but union leaders called that prospect “far‑fetched.” Governor Kathy Hochul warned that the agency’s contingency plan—limited shuttle‑bus service linking LIRR stations to subway lines—will not replace full rail service, especially outside regular hours, and urged employers and employees to consider working from home if a strike occurs. Over 300,000 daily commuters rely on the LIRR, making the potential shutdown a major transportation disruption for the New York City metropolitan area.