Long Island Rail Road Strike Continues After Late-Night Talks Fail

Long Island Rail Road commuters began using shuttle buses and subways into New York City after the largest commuter rail system in North America shut down. The National Mediation Board summoned both sides Sunday night for talks that produced no deal after several hours.

m. Monday. A union representative said the discussions were cordial and that progress was being made.

Background on the Dispute The strike centers on the final year of a four-year contract between the MTA and the unions. The MTA had agreed to 9.5% wage increases and was one percentage point apart on the fourth year when it proposed raising healthcare contributions for new hires from 2% to 10%.

"We're looking for a modest raise in our wages," said union representative Raymond Delio. " MTA Chairman and CEO Janno Lieber said the unions represent the highest-paid railway workers in the United States, earning well over six figures. "We are more than willing to meet them halfway in wages.

In fact, more than halfway, which is why we put new ideas on the table again and again," Lieber said.

The MTA deployed 275 free shuttle buses from six LIRR stations to Queens. These buses can accommodate 13,000 daily riders compared with the more than 250,000 who normally use the railroad each day. The MTA encouraged employees who can to work from home.

Officials said even if an agreement is reached Monday, full service would require at least one additional day for track, equipment, and signal inspections. Former Department of Transportation Commissioner Sam Schwartz said subway crowds will increase and roads across Long Island will become busier.

"Those from the South Shore are going to see the Belt Parkway backed up like they haven't seen in a long time. The Gowanus will be impacted. Buses will be impacted," he said.