MTA and LIRR Unions Reach Tentative Deal to End Three-Day Strike

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority and five Long Island Rail Road unions reached a tentative labor agreement Monday night, ending a three-day strike that began just after midnight on Saturday, May 16. The deal covers roughly 3,500 workers and restores service on the largest commuter rail system in the United States, which normally carries about 300,000 passengers daily.

Agreement Details and Ratification New York Gov.

Kathy Hochul said the agreement delivers raises for workers while protecting riders and taxpayers. She stated at a Tuesday evening press conference that the deal does not raise taxes or fares. MTA CEO Janno Lieber said the sides found ways to give fair raises without blowing the MTA budget.

Full details remain undisclosed pending ratification by the five unions. LIRR President Robert Free said initial service will include electric trains on the Ronkonkoma, Port Washington, Huntington, and Babylon branches, with full peak service expected by the afternoon rush.

LIRR confirmed that limited service will resume Tuesday at noon, with shuttle buses continuing through the morning rush. The MTA said mandatory inspections and crew repositioning require the phased restart. Hochul announced that phased LIRR service will resume beginning tomorrow at noon.

The conductors and maintenance workers had been working without a contract for two and a half years. The last LIRR strike occurred in June 1994. The National Mediation Board summoned both sides to resume bargaining Sunday evening after the weekend walkout.

Mark Wallace, President of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen, said the coalition of five labor unions ended the strike after coming to terms on a tentative contract. Kevin Sexton, national vice president of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen, said the unions are looking forward to members getting back to work.

Commuters reported travel times increasing by up to two hours on Monday, with some forced to use shuttle buses or alternative transportation.