NEW YORK (WABC) — A Long Island Rail Road labor dispute resurfaced publicly during the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s board meeting as a union leader pressed for renewed negotiations and MTA leadership responded with a challenge to settle the contract impasse.<\/p>\n
Gillman Lang, who represents the locomotive engineers union, spoke during the public comment session. The union is one of five threatening to walk off the job if the LIRR does not increase its pay.<\/p>\n
“We have made compromises in our ask and are ready to sit down at the bargaining table and settle an agreement now…,” Lang said during the meeting.<\/p>\n
MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber responded later in the session, encouraging unions seeking a resolution to negotiate immediately.<\/p>\n
“I suggest that those union who want to resolve it today settle…and let’s go I the back and negotiate,” Lieber said.<\/p>\n
The two sides last negotiated more than a month ago, with a May 16 strike deadline approaching. Both parties have agreed to raises totaling 9.5% over three years, but remain divided over a fourth year. The LIRR has offered a 4.5% increase with productivity gains, while the union is seeking 5%. The railroad has said a higher increase would require a fare hike, service cuts or layoffs.<\/p>\n
A potential strike has been delayed twice – first in September and again in January, when President Trump intervened and triggered a cooling-off period.<\/p>\n
On Wednesday, representatives from both sides met briefly during the board meeting, according to Lieber.<\/p>\n
“I’m glad they came here and we had an opportunity to do this,” he said.<\/p>\n
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