MTA urges LIRR riders to prepare for possible strike as negotiations continue
The agency amplified its messaging through social media alerts Monday, telling riders they may need to stay off the rails starting May 16.
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With contract talks still deadlocked, the MTA is now urging Long Island Rail Road commuters to work from home next week if a strike begins as early as Saturday. The warning came as another bargaining session was held Monday between the railroad and unions representing engineers, electricians, and ticket agents.
The agency amplified its messaging through social media alerts Monday, telling riders they may need to stay off the rails starting May 16. For many commuters, that possibility is already reshaping next week’s plans.
A strike would halt all train service. In its place, the MTA says it would deploy shuttle buses from five Long Island pickup points to subway stations in Queens—but only during weekday peak hours and primarily for essential workers who must report in person.
For students and workers who rely on the LIRR daily, the uncertainty is unsettling. Hicksville commuter Destiny Gaeckler said a walkout would disrupt nearly every part of her routine.
“I wouldn’t be able to get to my classes on time. I wouldn’t be able to get to work on time,” she said.
Others are already leaning toward staying home. Scott Ritter of Old Bethpage said the shuttle option doesn’t seem realistic. “I think it would take hours at this point to try to get there. I think I would resort to working at home,” he said.
The unions held a rally in Massapequa over the weekend, pressing for 14.5% raises over four years. The MTA has countered with a 12.5% increase over the same period. Union leaders say the MTA has also offered lump‑sum payments. With less than a week before a potential strike, both sides remain apart.
Riders like Noor Singh, of Hicksville, say they’re hoping negotiations accelerate before the deadline. “I hope everything goes smooth and we have our train rides going through because everyone on Long Island relies on the LIRR,” she said.
“Unfortunately, come 12:01 a.m. on May 16, absent a voluntary settlement, we’ll be striking the Long Island Rail Road,” said Kevin Sexton, vice president of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen.
After Monday’s negotiations, union members said little progress was made. With just one negotiation day left this week, union leaders say a strike is becoming increasingly likely.
“There’s no sense of urgency by the MTA. They’re looking to stall this out. That’s our sense,” he said.
News 12 viewers also voiced frustrations on social media, with some raising concerns about city teachers commuting from Long Island who cannot drive into the city. Others joked about the challenges hybrid workers could face if service shuts down.
The MTA tells News 12 that “discussions remain ongoing.”
The MTA and union leaders are expected to return to the negotiating table Wednesday in what could be the final opportunity to avoid a strike.
