Long Island Rail Road Strike Halts Service for 300,000 Daily Riders

Long Island Rail Road service stopped on all 11 branches after union negotiations with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority reached an impasse. The strike began Saturday and continued into Monday, forcing commuters to seek alternate transportation.

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority started shuttle bus service from Ronkonkoma, Bay Shore, and Hempstead to subway stations in Queens. Riders east of those locations had to arrange their own transportation to the bus stops. Officials said the shuttles could carry about 13,000 of the railroad's typical 300,000 daily passengers.

Many regular riders drove or took buses into New York City, increasing road traffic during morning rush hour. Officials encouraged commuters who could work from home to do so and asked employers to allow remote work. The city deployed additional police officers along major roadways to manage heavier traffic.

Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen represent the 3,500 striking workers. The unions said the workers have not received wage increases in three years and are seeking new contracts. A union statement said the workers have bargained in good faith while the railroad has denied wages, benefits, and respect.

Officials stated that the Metropolitan Transportation Authority cannot agree to a contract that would raise fares by as much as eight percent or increase taxes for Long Islanders. Negotiations resumed on Sunday and were ongoing at press time. This is the first Long Island Rail Road strike in over three decades.