Long Island Rail Road Strike Enters Third Day as Talks Resume

The strike that halted Long Island Rail Road service continued into its third day with no agreement reached after late-night negotiations between the MTA and union leaders. The National Mediation Board summoned both sides Sunday night, but hours of talks produced no deal.

Commuters began using shuttle buses and subways to reach New York City as the largest commuter rail system in North America remained shut down. One rider at the Ronkonkoma station said the situation was inconvenient because they were starting a new job that day.

The strike stems from a dispute over the final year of a four-year contract. The MTA 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%. Union representative Raymond Delio said workers are seeking a modest wage increase and that health insurance should not be part of the negotiations.

MTA Chairman and CEO Janno Lieber said the unions represent the highest-paid railway workers in the United States, earning well over six figures, and that the MTA is willing to meet them more than halfway on wages.

The MTA began operating 275 free shuttle buses from six LIRR stations to Queens, a capacity far below the normal daily ridership of more than 250,000. Officials encouraged commuters to work from home if possible. Even if an agreement is reached Monday, service would not resume immediately because the railroad would need at least one day to inspect tracks, equipment, and signals and to reposition crews.

Former Department of Transportation Commissioner Sam Schwartz said the effects would extend beyond rail service, with increased crowds on subways and heavier traffic on roads across Long Island.