Long Island Rail Road cLIRRc commuters can now breathe a sigh of relief as the impending strike that could have disrupted their daily routines has been delayed. The LIRR Bargaining Coalition recently announced that their members have voted to authorize a strike, but the strike won't be happening this week. Instead, the coalition is making a bold move by asking President Donald Trump to establish an emergency board that will aim to make recommendations to both the coalition and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority cMTAc to help reach a contract settlement.
The coalition, which represents five unions comprising around 3,000 workers, is seeking a fair contract that includes a 3% increase for the first two years and a 3.5% increase for the third year. However, the sticking point lies in their request for a 6.5% increase in the fourth year to keep up with the ever-increasing cost of living. The workers have gone three years without a raise and believe it's essential to address this issue.
Vice President of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen union, Kevin Sexton, criticized the potential timing of the strike, citing it as irresponsible, especially with major events like the Ryder Cup looming. The MTA's chief of policy and external relations, John McCarthy, accused the coalition of not seriously negotiating at the bargaining table, prompting the need for the emergency board intervention.
Governor Kathy Hochul has voiced her disapproval of a strike, emphasizing the negative impact it would have on both the commuters and hardworking LIRR employees. The coalition, on the other hand, believes that the focus should be on the workers and riders rather than involving Washington, D.C. in the matter.
The Trump administration has yet to respond to the coalition's request, but they are hopeful for a response before the looming Thursday deadline. In the context of past strikes, the MTA has already begun preparing contingency measures, including limited shuttle bus services in case a deal cannot be reached, with the potential consequence of a complete shutdown of LIRR service if a strike were to escalate.
The delay in the strike comes after the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen's overwhelming vote to authorize a strike, with the unions now formally requesting the establishment of an emergency board by President Trump. Both sides are hoping that this intervention will lead to a resolution before the extended deadline in May next year, avoiding a potentially disruptive strike affecting over 270,000 daily commuters.
As negotiations continue between the unions and the MTA, the focus remains on reaching a fair contract that addresses the workers' concerns and ensures the smooth functioning of the LIRR services. With the specter of a strike temporarily pushed aside, commuters can look forward to a more stable and predictable commute on the nation's busiest commuter railroad.