LIVE LIRR UPDATES: LIRR service to return today in phases after MTA, unions strike deal
Train service at all Long Island Rail Road stations continues to be suspended. Check back here for the latest developments.
VIDEO: MTA Board Member Marc Herbst joins News 12 to talk about the deal reached
4:54 a.m. - LIRR service to return today in phases after MTA, unions strike deal
The MTA announced that Long Island Rail Road service will resume starting at noon today.
Trains will begin rolling out every hour at the Babylon, Huntington, Ronkonkoma and Port Washington branches.
Transit officials said the goal is to have all trains up and running for a full evening rush service later today.
In the meantime, shuttle buses will take commuters into the city this morning. The MTA was unable to get trains back up and running in time for the a.m. rush after the two sides struck a deal to end the LIRR strike late Monday night.
10:30 p.m. - LIRR SERVICE UPDATE
LIRR service will not resume in time for the Tuesday morning rush. The MTA says that shuttle buses for essential workers will continue to operate for the morning commute.
Hourly service will resume at 12 p.m. for the Babylon, Huntington, Ronkonkoma, and Port Washington branches.
The MTA is urging customers to work from home on Tuesday if possible.
More details can be found on the MTA’s website.
10:26 p.m. - Gov. Hochul, MTA and LIRR service to resume Tuesday at noon following 3-day rail workers strike
By Roberto Torres
Gov. Kathy Hochul, MTA chairman and CEO Janno Lieber and LIRR President Rob Free announced that LIRR service will resume Tuesday at noon with limited service after labor unions and the agency reached a deal Monday night after rail workers held a strike for three days.
Hochul said the job that rail workers do is critical for the entire region and they deserve a fare wage. She said they also would not accept a deal that would compromise affordability for Long Islanders at a time when prices are going up.
She said that's why they stood firm for a deal that would not require additional fare increases or tax increases.
Hochul said LIRR service will return Tuesday at noon, with full service expected in time for the evening rush hour and the New York Knicks' Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals at Madison Square Garden.
Hochul also thanked Long Islanders for being patient, finding travel alternatives and for working from home.
She praised the MTA for coordinating with LIRR commuters in planning alternative travel plans who did it with "military precision."
Lieber said the LIRR strike will end at midnight.
"It's time to get back to work," Free said.
Free said hourly train service will resume Tuesday at noon on four main branches, with electric trains on the Port Washington branch, Huntington branch, Ronkonkoma branch and Babylon branch.
This will be followed by full peak-hour service on all branches.
Free reminded customers to check the train time app and website for up-to-date information.
He also reminded that shuttle and bus service will continue Tuesday morning.
9:12 p.m. - LIRR unions, MTA reach deal following 3 days of railroad workers' strike
By Roberto Torres
Long Island Rail Road union leaders announced Monday night in Manhattan that all five unions and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) reached a deal, ending the LIRR strike after three days.
Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen Vice President Kevin Sexton, who is also the spokesperson to the Long Island Rail Road Bargaining Coalition, said they could not discuss specific details due to the nature of negotiations.
He said he looks forward to getting all rail workers back to work and "do what they do best, which is serving the region."
He added that they appreciated everybody's patience during the negotiations.
9 p.m. - Union leader's speak on the deal reached with MTA officials:
8:41 p.m. -Deal reached between MTA officials and union leaders Monday evening, according to Gov. Kathy Hochul. She says service will resume beginning tomorrow at noon.
VOTE NOW: How has the LIRR strike changed your commute?
7:51 p.m. - Despite Monday morning commute snags, travel was 'generally consistent with a typical rush hour '
The New York State Department of Transportation says that while data is still being analyzed, travel conditions were similar to typical rush hour traffic Monday morning. It says that highway crews and HELP trucks rapidly responded to incidents during peak hours to minimize the impact to commuters. The department urges those able to work remotely to do so to alleviate traffic congestion on highways.
Live traffic conditions are available at 511NY.
7 p.m. - Even if deal is reached Monday night, LIRR service is still suspended for Tuesday morning rush
The MTA spokesman says that even if a deal is made tonight, there will be no morning service on the LIRR Tuesday, due to how long negotiations have gone on for.
6 p.m. - First full workday during Day 3 of LIRR strike brings major traffic headaches to LI
By Daniella Rodriguez
The first full workday during the Long Island Rail Road strike brought heavy traffic and frustrating commutes across Long Island Monday, with many drivers saying they had never seen congestion this bad before.
Traffic steadily piled up along the Long Island Expressway near Exit 37, through the evening rush hour.
Earlier in the day, backups were also seen on Powerhouse Road heading eastbound as some commuters appeared to leave work early to try to avoid worsening delays.
Drivers said the morning commute was especially difficult heading toward New York City.
“Going westbound was completely jammed all the way from Great Neck west towards the city. It was pretty bad,” said Ankesh Sharma, of Queens.
Sharma said he felt lucky to be commuting in the opposite direction but believes the evening rush could be even worse.
“I was lucky to have the opposite commute, but I think eastbound is going to be as bad as it was this morning and maybe even worse,” Sharma said.
Monday marked just the first day of the workweek under the LIRR strike, with many commuters already worried about facing similar gridlock in the days ahead.
5:44 p.m. - Brooklyn commuters take a hit as LIRR strike continues
5:35 p.m. - MTA & unions say progress to deal has slowed
By Kevin Vesey
A third day of the strike on the Long Island Rail Road brought negotiators back to the bargaining table Monday, though both sides signaled that momentum toward a deal had slowed after overnight talks appeared promising.
Union workers continued picketing outside Metropolitan Transportation Authority headquarters in Lower Manhattan while negotiations stretched through the morning and into the afternoon. Talks reportedly resumed around 7:30 a.m.
Both the MTA and union leaders acknowledged that progress appeared to have been made late Sunday night, but each side accused the other of failing to move quickly enough toward a resolution.
“Unfortunately from our perspective, in true MTA fashion, it’s take two steps toward one step back,” said Kevin Sexton of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen. “Every time we think we’re close to a deal, there’s always a counter.”
MTA chief negotiator Gary Dellaverson said the agency remained hopeful an agreement could still be reached, though he admitted optimism had faded compared with the previous night’s negotiations.
“I think we continue to have optimism that we can get this done, but it’s not at the same level,” Dellaverson said. “And I think the unions have shown us they have no urgency at getting this resolved.”
At the center of the dispute are proposed pay raises and how the MTA would finance them. According to MTA officials, the agency is seeking ways to offset the cost of salary increases by requiring new hires to contribute more toward healthcare expenses.
Union leaders say the raises they are requesting amount to roughly 3.5% annually.
3:37 p.m. - New York Attorney General Letitia James warns of price gouging during the LIRR strike
A warning was sent to commuters to stay vigilant about price gouging while taking alternative transportation services amid the Long Island Rail Road strike.
“As New Yorkers face a complete shutdown of LIRR service, many are counting on rideshares, rental cars and other services to help them commute,” said James. “This strike is no excuse for companies to unfairly raise prices on New Yorkers.
2:44 p.m. - LIRR union leaders respond to MTA, claim terms of deal keep changing
2:45 p.m. - Union leaders have responded to MTA officials, publicly criticizing the agency’s management for changing the terms of a possible agreement, delaying an end to the strike.
Both sides say they were optimistic a deal was in reach when talks ended at 1:30 a.m. Monday. But they say progress has slowed on Monday.
2:48 p.m. Union leaders say they don't know how long the LIRR worker strike will go on. They did say they hope there will be an agreement made this afternoon.
The two sides went back to the bargaining table at 3 p.m.
2:05 p.m. - MTA chief negotiator less optimistic deal can be reached soon
2:05 p.m. MTA chief negotiator Gary Dellaverson told reporters Monday afternoon that he thought a deal was in reach when talks broke at around 1:30 a.m. But he said that optimism was diminished after bargaining reconvened at 7:30 a.m.
2:09 p.m. Dellaverson said they agreed on the money amount, but says "I think the issue is how."
2:11 p.m. Dellaverson said no new proposals were discussed today. He said the unions requested a break at 11 a.m. and said they would not be available again until 3 p.m. The unions said MTA officials put new demands on the table, which could delay a deal. The MTA denied any new demands were made.
12:24 p.m. - Share how the LIRR strike is impacting YOU
Is the LIRR strike creating commute chaos for you? Is the strike impacting your business? News 12 wants to hear how the LIRR strike is impacting you. Send in your pictures and share your story with us using the form here.
12:15 p.m. - Glen Cove officials help healthcare employees impacted by LIRR strike
The city of Glen Cove is helping NYU Langone employees impacted by the Long Island Railroad strike avoid the roads and get to work efficiently.
The hospital system unveiled plans to get its workers off Long Island and into New York City via a special ferry.
The city of Glen Cove will allow the New York City Water Taxi to use the Glen Cove Ferry terminal.
The service would take employees to and from the city on weekdays.
12:00 p.m. - Interview with MTA Board Member Sammy Chu
12:00 p.m. - MTA running commuter shuttle buses as LIRR strike enters Day 3
By Jonathan Gordon
Shuttles from six locations on Long Island are officially running to get commuters into the city today.
The buses are part of the MTA's contingency plan announced a few weeks ago to replace normal Long Island Rail Road service.
About 300,000 people commute on the Long Island Rail Road each day, but these buses can only accommodate about 13,000 people daily, according to transit officials.
The buses are running from the Huntington and Ronkonkoma stations to Jamaica - 179 St. and from the Bay Shore, Hicksville and Mineola stations, as well as Hempstead Lake State Park, to Howard Beach/JFK Airport.
Buses will run during peak hours, which include 4:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. toward Manhattan and toward Long Island from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. There will also be limited reverse-peak service available on some routes, according to the MTA.
The shuttle bus is free, but commuters will have to pay when they transfer onto a subway or MTA bus once they reach Queens.
The MTA said it will offer prorated refunds on all monthly passes for the duration of the strike.
The NICE Bus out of Nassau County is offering extra service starting this morning on select routes to and from Queens from transit hubs in Hicksville, Mineola, Great Neck and Freeport.
Meanwhile, union workers are back on the picket lines at LIRR stations across the island again this morning.
Thousands of union members rallied over the weekend.
11:45 a.m. - Union source says MTA added new demands
A source with the five LIRR unions says the MTA has added a series of new demands in the ongoing negotiations, a move that could delay a deal.
MTA management and union leaders have been bargaining since 7:30 a.m. Monday morning as the LIRR strike extended into its third day.
11:44 a.m. – Union source: It will be hours before any negotiation updates
A union source tells News 12 it’ll be hours before there is any update on negotiations. The source says things are moving slowly because MTA management is putting a lot of things on the table but can’t comment on specifics.
11:30 a.m. - NYC teachers impacted by LIRR strike asked to submit absence forms
The United Federation of Teachers is encouraging New York City educators who commute from Long Island to submit absence forms if they’re going to face significant transit delays.
The union says teachers can request paid time off due to the traffic.
9:40 a.m. – LIRR addresses questions about monthly ticket refunds
The LIRR announced on X that they plan to issue prorated refunds to May monthly ticket holders for each business day service is suspended from the strike, pending approval from the MTA board.
8:30 a.m. - Interview with Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine
8 a.m. - Interview with Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman
7:30 a.m. - Interview with AAA Spokesperson Robert Sinclair Jr.
7:00 a.m. - Interview with MTA Chairman and CEO Janno Lieber
MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber joined News 12 to discuss the state of the strike and the impact on commuters Monday morning.
Some commuters who do not have the ability to work from home have been using the shuttle bus as an alternative to Long Island Rail Road service.
“The shuttle bus operation that we put in place is available. Its operational, it is bringing people in, but the turnout so far has been pretty light,” he explained. “It seems like people are also taking advantage of what we suggested- using the NICE bus, the Nassau County bus system…”
Lieber says he hopes a deal will be reached soon as negotiations resume in the early morning hours.
“We hope we can bring this over the finish line pretty soon,” he said. “Everybody recognizes the importance of not putting an additional burden on Long Islanders economically. We don’t want massive fare hikes. We don’t want the taxpayers to get hit again.”
“We did make progress yesterday. The talks were productive and we’re going into this morning with some optimism, albeit a little cautious optimism,” he said.
6:30 a.m. - Interview with Passengers United President Charlton D’Souza
Monday, May 18 5:10 a.m. - Day 3 of LIRR strike leaves trains shut down after overnight talks fail
By Edric Robinson
The Long Island Rail Road strike is now entering its third day after overnight negotiations ended without a deal, keeping trains shut down Monday morning.
The strike is impacting about 300,000 daily riders who travel between Long Island, Brooklyn and Manhattan.
Negotiators met for hours Sunday night into early Monday morning, with talks ending around 1:30 a.m. without an agreement. Both sides are expected to return to the negotiating table later Monday morning.
The LIRR shut down early Saturday after unions representing thousands of rail workers walked off the job for the first time in decades.
The main issues in the dispute appear to be pay and health care costs. Union leaders say workers are trying to keep up with the rising cost of living in the New York area. The MTA says the union proposals could put major pressure on the agency’s budget.
Gov. Kathy Hochul is asking commuters to work from home if possible while the strike continues. Limited bus service is also being offered for some riders.
Officials have also warned that even if a deal is reached, it would still take time to get crews and trains back in place before full service resumes.
LIRR STRIKE DAY 3
Monday, May 18 1:48 a.m. - LIRR union leader says bargaining talks with the MTA will resume Monday morning as LIRR strike enters Day 3
By Jenna Rae Gaertner and Roberto Torres
A Long Island Rail Road union leader said talks with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) will resume Monday morning after all five unions and the agency negotiated from Sunday afternoon into the overnight hours in Manhattan as the LIRR strike entered Day 3.
The National Mediation Board had summoned both sides to meet at the MTA headquarters Sunday just after 6 p.m.
Officials said they were breaking for the night and will come back Monday at 7:30 a.m.
Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen Vice President Kevin Sexton said they could not reveal details about the discussions as they are still negotiating. He added that the talks have been "cordial."
Officials said federal negotiators have helped them throughout the negotiations.
The unions and MTA have been bargaining for years.
They agreed on the raise for the first three years of this contract, but they were still trying to agree on the fourth year as of Sunday night.
The unions want a 5% salary increase and MTA offered 3%, plus the difference between the 3% and 5% in a one-time cash payment.
The presidential review board suggested a 4.5% increase. The MTA still offered the 3%, plus lump sum payment.
News 12 previously reported that the two sides got close to an agreement and were within 1% when MTA offer went up.
Part of their new deal, however, was to require new union hires to contribute more to their health plan than current union members.
That's when the unions called for a strike.
Both MTA Chairman and CEO Janno Lieber and Gov. Kathy Hochul were asked on Sunday about renewing talks. They said it was on the unions since they walked out.
Hochul, however, said during a news conference on Sunday that she was open to the unions to come back
The MTA has said that it will take time to get trains back up and running, even if a deal is reached. This means riders should prepare for disruptions to their commute on Monday morning.
Monday May 18 1:20 a.m. - Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen Vice President Kevin Sexton, a Long Island Rail Road union leader, and other officials held a news conference to announce that negotiations between the unions and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) will resume Monday at 7:30 a.m. as the LIRR strike entered Day 3.
The National Mediation Board had summoned the five LIRR unions and the MTA to a meeting in Manhattan to resume bargaining on Day 2 on Sunday.
Sexton said they were breaking for the night. He added that they could not reveal specific details about the discussions due the nature of the negotiations.
He added the talks have been "cordial" and that they were "making progress."
Sexton credited federal negotiators for helping them and said talks will resume at the MTA headquarters.
10:10 p.m. - LIRR unions and MTA summoned to meet in effort to resume bargaining on Day 2 of LIRR strike
By Jenna Rae Gaertner
The National Mediation Board summoned the five Long Island Rail Road unions and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) to a meeting in Manhattan to resume bargaining on Day 2 of the LIRR strike.
The presidential review board summoned both sides to meet at the MTA headquarters just after 6 p.m.
The unions and MTA have been bargaining for years.
They agreed on the raise for the first three years of this contract, but they were still trying to agree on the fourth year as of Sunday night.
The unions want a 5% salary increase and MTA offered 3%, plus the difference between the 3% and 5% in a one-time cash payment.
The presidential review board suggested a 4.5% increase. The MTA still offered the 3%, plus lump sum payment.
News 12 previously reported that the two sides got close to an agreement and were within 1% when MTA offer went up.
Part of their new deal, however, was to require new union hires to contribute more to their health plan than current union members.
That's when the unions called for a strike.
Both MTA Chairman and CEO Janno Lieber and Gov. Kathy Hochul were asked on Sunday about renewing talks. They said it was on the unions since they walked out.
Hochul, however said during a news conference on Sunday that she was open to the unions to come back.
The MTA has said that it will take time to get trains back up and running, even if a deal is reached. This means riders should prepare for disruptions to their commute on Monday morning.
6:15 p.m. - The National Mediation Board has summoned Long Island Rail Road unions and MTA management to meet in an effort to resume bargaining on Day 2 of the LIRR strike.
NYC Mayor Mamdani posted more information ahead of Monday on X.
LIRR Strike Day 2
The LIRR worker strike stretches into a second day Sunday, pushing Long Islanders closer to a disrupted Monday commute.
5:05 p.m. - The MTA says the shutdown could impact hundreds of thousands of commuters across the region
By Jeremy Skiba
The clock is ticking toward the first workday of the Long Island Rail Road strike, with no trains expected to run if a deal is not reached. The MTA says the shutdown could impact hundreds of thousands of commuters across the region.
On Sunday morning, Governor Kathy Hochul extended what she called an “official invitation” for union leaders to return to the bargaining table in hopes of ending the strike before the Monday commute.
Union leaders say they are prepared to negotiate.
“We have all of our general chairmen in Manhattan waiting to do so,” said Steven Schmidtt, president of IBEW Local 589. “I am waiting for word from them on that part.”
Governor Hochul says three days of a strike would erase every dollar of additional salary union workers would get under a new contract.
“We don’t need to be here,” Hochul said. “Workers deserve better, but also New Yorkers deserve better.”
Workers on the picket lines say the fight is about more than wages; it’s about the future of the railroad and the people who keep it running.
“This is about the vitality for the job in the long term,” said locomotive engineer Michael Colucci. “Making sure there is a fair and equitable contract and a future for the next generation of workers.”
“It’s the men in the field with the blood, sweat and tears that are keeping the rails and the lines and commuters safe,” said Daniel Mullay, a signal inspector.
Meanwhile, Governor Hochul is urging employers to allow remote work and make accommodations for workers affected by the strike.
For commuters like Corey Antola, flexibility from employers is making a difficult situation more manageable.
“I’ll be working from another office that is out here on Long Island,” Antola said. “Just drive there. It’s not too bad. Luckily, I’m able to do that and not everyone is.”
Despite the ongoing standoff, Hochul said she believes a deal can still be reached, adding, “We’re ready for this.”
12:05 p.m. - Crowds return to LIRR picket line for second day
By Jeremy Skiba
A large crowd of striking workers returned for a second day of demonstrations, with organizers estimating that more than 200 people gathered at the picket line Sunday.
Workers have been on site since 7 a.m. and plan to remain until 7 p.m., chanting throughout the day and calling for a new contract agreement.
The atmosphere intensified as demonstrators crowded around to watch Governor Kathy Hochul’s latest press conference addressing the ongoing labor dispute.
During her remarks, Hochul urged both the Metropolitan Transportation Authority and union leaders to return to the bargaining table in hopes of reaching a deal.
The governor also warned that the ongoing strike could jeopardize workers’ chances at securing fairer wages if negotiations continue to stall.
As the disruption continues, Hochul encouraged commuters to work from home whenever possible and asked employers to provide accommodations for employees affected by the strike.
11:37 a.m. Hochul said she hopes the strike “does not go on long.”
11:36 a.m. “We’re ready for this,” Hochul said about alternative transportation systems in place ahead of Monday morning’s commute.
11:33 a.m. Hochul extended an “official invitation” to union leaders to return to the bargaining table.
11:32 a.m. Hochul questioned union leaders, saying, “They walked out and went on strike,” and asked where they were Friday night.
11:30 a.m. Hochul said there is “no legal mechanism” to overturn congestion pricing and said the strike should not be turned into a campaign event. Possibly in reference to gubernatorial candidate Bruce Blakeman, who held a press conference Sunday morning to call for the suspension of congestion pricing during the strike.
11:27 a.m. MTA New York City Transit President Demetrius Crichlow said there is ample capacity and "plenty of subway lines" to handle “any influx” of commuters including at busy stations like Jamaica and Flushing.
11:25 a.m. LIRR President Rob Free reiterated there are bus service plans and Long Island pickup locations.
11:24 a.m. Hochul said MTA officials remained in discussions with union leaders up to the deadline, but said the union criticized their ideas.
11:22 a.m. Hochul said she believes “a deal can be reached.”
11:21 a.m. She warned the strike could impact affordability for commuters.
11:20 a.m. Hochul said the strike might have been avoided if not for what she called a “highly unusual” move by the Trump administration to release unions from mediation.
11:19 a.m. She encouraged commuters to work from home if possible and asked employers to allow remote work.
11:18 a.m. Hochul said extra subway trains are on standby and additional service can be deployed if needed, while acknowledging it is “impossible to replace LIRR service.”
11:16 a.m. “No one wins in a strike — everyone is hurt,” Hochul said, emphasizing the vital role of LIRR workers.
11:15 a.m. Gov. Kathy Hochul was joined by LIRR President Rob Free, MTA New York City Transit President Demetrius Crichlow and MTA Chairman and CEO Janno Lieber to brief commuters on the LIRR strike.
Watch part of the press conference here:
At the press conference, Blakeman said the strike is causing regional gridlock and costing 61-million-dollars a day.
10:15 a.m. - Bruce Blakeman, who is challenging Hochul for governor, joined State Assembly Minority Leader Ed Ra in calling for a suspension of congestion pricing during the strike.
Watch the full interview:
8:05 a.m. Lieber said the MTA "put new ideas on the table" during negotiation talks Friday night.
8:01 a.m. - Lieber did not say when MTA and union officials will meet next to continue negotiations. "We remain available if they're serious about negotiating," he said.
8 a.m. - News 12 speaks with MTA Chairman and CEO Janno Lieber.
LIRR Strike Day 1
6:10 p.m. - LIRR strike halts service, strands riders as workers walk off job
By Logan Crawford
More than 100 Long Island Rail Road workers picketed early Saturday at Ronkonkoma Station as a systemwide strike shut down train service across Long Island.
Typically one of the island’s busiest hubs, the station stood quiet with no trains running.
“We want a contract that’s fair and equitable to be able to live here on Long Island and support our families. We’re everybody’s neighbor, parishioner, family and friend," said Michael Colucci, an engine service coordinator.
About 3,500 union workers walked off the job, halting all LIRR service for the first time since 1994. The shutdown impacts more than 200,000 daily riders who rely on the railroad for transportation.
“I take the train fairly often, just like any Long Islander,” said Kenny Stallone of Holtsville. “But to see no trains running is very surprising.”
A union representative said negotiations with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) broke down shortly before the strike deadline after years of contract talks.
Colucci said concerns include proposed changes to health care provisions for new employees.
“The last thing we want to do is sell out the new employee, because then this job has no future for anybody,” he said.
Workers on the picket line acknowledged the toll of the shutdown.
“We’re sorry that it had to come to this point,” one railroad worker said.
The worker who asked not to be named said the strike has left employees struggling as well.
“I’m unemployed at this point to be here on strike. My medical has ended. I have no income,” she said.
Both the MTA and union officials said there are no further negotiations currently scheduled.
“If we get a phone call or a message saying we’re in the room and things are moving forward, we will drop these texts and posts and go out there and do our job,” Colucci said.
An MTA spokesperson said there were no updates on contract talks. Workers said they plan to return to Ronkonkoma on Sunday to continue their push for what they call a fair contract.
Train service at all Long Island Rail Road stations is suspended as workers walk off the job early Saturday morning, shutting down the system on the first morning of a strike. News 12 is following all developments closely.
6:04 p.m. - LIRR workers picket outside Atlantic Terminal
By Karina Gerry
Long Island Rail Road workers picketed outside Atlantic terminal Saturday on Day 1 of the LIRR strike.
Union leaders announced the strike just after midnight after they failed to come to an agreement with the MTA.
Five unions were at the negotiation table on Friday night. They represent over half of the 7,000 workers that included locomotive engineers, machinists and signalmen.
The fight boils down to pay.
An agreement was reached for a retroactive 9.5% raise for the last three years but talks stalled after they failed to agree on a raise for this year. Representatives for the unions say they are asking for a 5% raise starting this year because of inflation and the cost of living in the tri-state area.
"We took some hits to do a favor to the company during COVID to keep the trains moving. We took some low deals with kind of a promise that in the future they would take care of us," said Michael Sullivan, General Chairman of Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen.
The MTA says a 5% raise is out of their budget and they are unwilling to increase fare.
Union representatives that were at Friday night's meeting say there was no meeting scheduled with the MTA as of Saturday evening.
5:17 p.m. - 'The railroad strike is just affecting everything': Drivers and commuters scramble in wake of LIRR strike
By Jeremy Skiba
The Long Island Rail Road strike is disrupting travel plans across Long Island, with commuters and weekend travelers scrambling to adjust.
Joseph Maxwell, of Massapequa, said he had planned to take the train to Citi Field for Saturday’s Subway Series game, but with rail service shut down during the strike, the trip no longer feels worth it.
“The railroad strike is just affecting everything right now,” Maxwell said.
Instead, he says driving into Queens would be “torture” because of expected traffic and congestion.
Others are already changing their schedules to avoid delays.
Katie Hess left home hours earlier than normal Saturday morning for a drive to Connecticut, hoping to avoid heavier traffic.
“We're trying to avoid traffic this morning for an appointment later, so that's causing some issues,” Hess said.
Hess also worries the strike could complicate upcoming job interviews in New York City, which will also force her to drive and deal with expensive and limited parking options.
“I'm going to have to drive in and then you think about parking,” she said. “Parking is already a disaster wherever you are going in the city. Fingers crossed I find somewhere to go.”
Elisha Watkins, who commutes from Queens to Long Island for work, said Saturday was the first time he learned about the strike. Even so, he plans to stick to his normal routine.
“I don't know what is wrong with the Southern (State Parkway), but I can only imagine how much worse that will get with this whole delay,” Watkins said.
4:44 p.m. - For fans headed to Citi Field for the Subway Series Saturday evening, there are travel alternatives.
The Citi Field Direct Shuttle offers affordable bus service from parking areas around the region, including Westchester, The Bronx and New Jersey. Additional shuttles were added due to the strike. The pick-up locations include:
Roosevelt Field
Walt Whitman Shops
The Mall at Bay Plaza
Manhasset LIRR Station serving the Port Washington Line
Paramus Park
Newport Centre Mall
Otherwise, fans are encouraged to ride-share and to take advantage of pick-up and drop-off points. These locations include:
Far Rockaway-Mott Avenue
Kew Gardens-Union Turnpike
Ozone Park-Lefferts Boulevard
Sheepshead Bay
Woodhaven Boulevard
2:54 p.m. - President Trump posted about the strike on Truth Social, saying in part, "Failed New York State Governor Kathy Hochul, a Dumacrat, just blamed ME for her Long Island Railroad STRIKE, when she knows, full well, that I have NOTHING TO DO WITH IT - never even heard about it until this morning."
1:53 p.m. - MTA president says LIRR workers are among 'highest paid railroad workers in the country'
MTA Chairman and CEO Janno Lieber says the agency will not agree to any deal that shifts the cost of wage increases onto riders or taxpayers.
During a press conference outside Penn Station early Saturday morning, Lieber calls LIRR workers "the highest paid railroad workers in the country."
He continues to say that the average wage of an LIRR employee is about $136,000.
"It is shocking that they are representing that they are underpaid, given their history of gobbling up overtime," said Lieber.
10:50 a.m. - For fans headed to Citi Field for the Subway Series Saturday evening, there are travel alternatives.
The Citi Field Direct Shuttle offers affordable bus service from parking areas around the region, including Westchester, The Bronx and New Jersey. Additional shuttles were added due to the strike. The pick-up locations include:
Roosevelt Field
Walt Whitman Shops
The Mall at Bay Plaza
Manhasset LIRR Station serving the Port Washington Line
Paramus Park
Newport Centre Mall
Otherwise, fans are encouraged to ride-share and to take advantage of pick-up and drop-off points. These locations include:
Far Rockaway-Mott Avenue
Kew Gardens-Union Turnpike
Ozone Park-Lefferts Boulevard
Sheepshead Bay
Woodhaven Boulevard
8:12 a.m. - Picketing workers gathered outside the Ronkonkoma station, calling for increased wages. About 3,500 employees have joined the strike, leaving the railroad completely shut down.
The disruption is impacting more than 200,000 Long Islanders who rely on the trains for daily transportation.
According to the union, no negotiations are currently planned between the Metropolitan Transportation Authority and labor leaders, leaving the timeline for restoring service uncertain.
5:15 a.m. - It is advised to check current station alerts on the Long Island Rail Road website.
Gov. Kathy Hochul released a statement following the LIRR strike.
Nassau County Exec. Blakeman also released a statement.
MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber also released a statement.
