LIRR Strike Averted: Unions Request Federal Mediation

Strike Averted This Week

• 🚆 Union members representing LIRR workers have authorized a strike but will not proceed with one this week.
• 🤝 Instead, they have requested the federal government to intervene by forming a Presidential Emergency Board.

Union and MTA Negotiations

• 💰 The MTA has offered a 9.5% wage increase over 3 years.
• 🗓️ Unions have agreed to the three-year term but are seeking a fourth year as part of the agreement.

Government and Union Statements

• 🗣️ Governor Kathy Hochul stated the MTA put a fair offer on the table and accused unions of not negotiating in good faith.
• 📢 The MTA's statement suggested unions should either settle, agree to binding arbitration, or show up to the negotiating table.

Next Steps and Rider Concerns

• 🏛️ The unions are confident that the Railway Labor Act mandates the president to appoint an emergency board upon request, preventing a strike this week.
• 😟 Riders are still feeling on edge due to the prolonged discussions, but unions are doing everything in their power to secure an agreement.