NEW YORK (WABC) — Mere days remain until hundreds of LIRR workers say they will go on strike, unless they get a new contract offer they deem acceptable.<\/p>\n
Nearly 300,000 commuters would be left scrambling if the LIRR were to pause operations.<\/p>\n
The MTA and unions representing LIRR workers have reached a preliminary deal, and the two sides are meeting again today.<\/p>\n
Management and worker groups don’t yet see eye to eye when it comes to raises.<\/p>\n
The MTA says both sides have agreed to retroactive raises, but the sticking point remains for 2026: the union is asking for 5%, while the MTA is offering just 3%.<\/p>\n
The MTA says it submitted a proposal during Monday’s meeting, it’s unknown whether or not their proposal met the union’s demand.<\/p>\n
MTA officials claim that to cover extra costs, they may have to cut service, reduce jobs or even hike fares up to 8% next year.<\/p>\n
Labor leaders say that’s not true, and LIRR riders are hoping for a solution soon.<\/p>\n
If a strike happens on Saturday, May 16, MTA officials say they have a contingency plan in place, which includes shuttle buses for LIRR riders.<\/p>\n
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