Negotiations resumed Thursday in hopes of reaching a contract deal and preventing the first strike by Long Island Rail Road workers in more than three decades.
If talks between the MTA and five unions aren’t successful, the workers will walk off the job on May 16.
The LIRR system is the largest commuter rail network in the nation. An estimated 300,000 people each day depend on the trains from Long Island to New York City and back.
Five unions representing LIRR engineers have already authorized a strike. The unions want a 5% raise in the 4th year of a contract. The MTA, which controls the railroad, is offering 3% for 3 years.
A strike would be the first LIRR walkout in 32 years.
If there’s a walkout next month, the contingency plan includes customers taking a bus to the “A” subway train from Hempstead, Hicksville, or Mineola, or a bus to the “F” train from Huntington and Ronkonkoma.
“That’s garbage,” another rider told News 4. “Who wants to ride from Mineola to the city on a bus?”
(Image: NBC New York
That commuter is among those dreading the possibility.
“You’ll be stuck on the expressway at every stop. It’ll take three hours to get home,” another commuter added.
Some riders’ advocates say it’s an untenable situation. And they’re hoping now that the two sides are seemingly talking again, a deal could still happen.
“The good news is the conversation has started,” said Lisa Daglian of the Long Island Riders Council. “The bad news is there is a potential for a strike.”
Some riders’ advocates would like to see a much more robust contingency plan. For example, “Park and Ride” at Babylon and more access on the southern shore of Long Island. The MTA says it will take ideas under advisement, with the strike deadline set for May 16.
The topsy-turvy world of commuting by mass transit faces a major deadline, just two weeks from tonight. Andrew Siff with the latest.