Janno Lieber Warns of Lirr Strike for 3,500 Workers
A lirr strike could begin Saturday if the Metropolitan Transportation Authority and unions representing Long Island Rail Road workers do not reach a deal. Janno Lieber, the MTA chair and CEO, said the agency cannot afford the higher wage increase the unions want without fare hikes or service cuts.
The five unions represent more than 3,500 LIRR employees. Union leaders say talks have stalled and they are prepared to strike as soon as Saturday, while the MTA says trains would stop running entirely if that happens.
Janno Lieber and the wage dispute
The dispute centers on pay increases. Union leaders are demanding a 5% raise, and the MTA has offered a 3% increase. Lieber said the agency cannot absorb a larger increase without pushing costs into the rest of the system.
More than 300,000 daily riders rely on the LIRR. For those commuters, the immediate issue is not only the strike deadline but the difference between the two wage positions that still separates the sides this week.
MTA shuttle buses and Queens transfers
The MTA said it would provide limited weekday shuttle bus service for essential workers and those unable to telecommute. Those buses would run about every 10 minutes from major stations including Mineola, Ronkonkoma, Hicksville, Huntington and Bayshore.
Riders using that fallback plan would travel to transit hubs in Queens, including the Jamaica-179th Street subway station or the Howard Beach-JFK Airport station, then use the subway system to reach final destinations in the city.
Saturday strike deadline
The MTA warned riders that if a strike begins Saturday, trains would stop running entirely. In its notice to riders, the agency said, "Unfortunately, there is no substitute for the Long Island Rail Road, and its shutdown will cause severe congestion and delays" and told commuters, "Avoid nonessential travel and work from home if possible."
Negotiations between the Metropolitan Transportation Authority and the unions are expected to resume this week. For riders, the practical choice is already set: plan around a possible shutdown, or face the limited shuttle service the MTA says it can provide if no agreement is reached.
