LIRR Strike Ends After MTA and Unions Reach Tentative Deal

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority and five labor unions representing Long Island Rail Road workers reached a tentative agreement Monday night to end a three-day strike that disrupted service for roughly 300,000 daily commuters. New York Gov.

Kathy Hochul announced the deal in a statement on X, saying it delivers raises for workers while protecting riders and taxpayers. She added that phased service would resume Tuesday at noon.

The MTA said full details remain subject to ratification by the unions. Hochul stated at a Tuesday evening press conference that she could not disclose specifics but confirmed the agreement would not require higher fares or taxes. MTA CEO Janno Lieber said the strike would officially end at midnight Tuesday, though morning service would not be available.

LIRR President Robert Free said hourly service would begin at noon on the Port Washington, Huntington, Ronkonkoma, and Babylon branches, with full peak service by the afternoon rush hour.

“Tonight, the MTA reached a fair deal with the five LIRR unions that delivers raises for workers while protecting riders and taxpayers. I'm pleased to announce that phased LIRR service will resume beginning tomorrow at noon." — New York Gov. Saturday and marked the first LIRR work stoppage since June 1994. Workers had been without a contract for two and a half years. The National Mediation Board called both sides to resume bargaining Sunday evening. Negotiations continued through Monday before the tentative agreement was reached just before 9 p.m. Lieber said the deal was structured to provide fair raises without exceeding the MTA budget. Kevin Sexton, national vice president of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen, said the unions looked forward to members returning to work.”

Shuttle bus service remained in place Tuesday morning to transport commuters to subway stations. The MTA reported more than 2,100 riders used the buses on Monday. Some commuters reported travel times increasing by two hours or more. The MTA advised riders to work from home Tuesday if possible while inspections and staffing adjustments continued.

Mark Wallace, president of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen, credited the unity of the five unions for reaching the agreement. He said the deal recognizes the dedication of railroad workers while keeping pace with the cost of living.