Long Island Rail Road Strike Looms: MTA Releases Contingency Plan
With the possibility of a Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) strike on the horizon, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has released its contingency plan to help commuters navigate a potential work stoppage. This would be the first strike in over 30 years, impacting nearly 300,000 daily riders.
MTA's Strike Contingency Plan
The MTA is urging LIRR riders to work from home if possible. However, for essential workers who must commute, the plan includes limited shuttle bus service connecting key LIRR stations to the New York City subway system. This service will operate during peak hours on weekdays.
- Buses will run every 10 minutes during peak hours.
- Manhattan-bound service: 4:30 a.m. to 9 a.m.
- Long Island-bound service: 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Shuttle Bus Routes
The shuttle bus routes will connect the following LIRR stations to NYC subway lines:
- Bellmore Station (LIRR) to Howard Beach-JFK Airport (A)
- Hicksville Station (LIRR) to Mets-Willets Point (7)
- Ronkonkoma Station (LIRR) to Mets-Willets Point (7)
"We have to prepare for the worst, which is why we are rolling out a plan for limited shuttle bus service," said MTA Chief Customer Officer Shanifah Rieara.
Alternative Transportation Options
The MTA recommends that Nassau County commuters use Nassau Inter-County Express (NICE) buses to connect to the subway at Flushing-Main Street (7) or the Jamaica Bus Terminal. The MTA also listed other subway stations as alternatives, but cautioned about the lack of available parking.
- Far Rockaway-Mott Avenue (A)
- Kew Gardens Union Turnpike (E)(F)
- Mets-Willets Point (7)
- Ozone Park-Lefferts Boulevard (A)
- Parsons Boulevard (F)
- Sheepshead Bay (B)/(Q)
- Woodhaven Boulevard (J)
Union Demands and Negotiations
Five unions representing over 3,700 LIRR workers are demanding a pay raise to keep up with the cost of living. The MTA argues that LIRR workers are already the highest-paid railroad workforce in America, earning an average of $160,000 per year with overtime. The potential strike could begin as soon as September 18.
The unions plan to announce the result of their ballots on Monday, potentially leaving only three days to avert a strike. Long Island State Sen. Steven Rhoads urged the remaining unions to "put the commuters first," noting that nearly three-quarters of the unions have already reached a deal with the MTA.
Government's Role and Impact on Ryder Cup
Gov. Kathy Hochul stated she's working to prevent the strike but would not say if she's seeking federal intervention. Farmingdale Village Mayor Ralph Eksrand expressed concerns about the strike's impact on the upcoming Ryder Cup, which will be held near Farmingdale Station, anticipating close to 25,000 people using the station daily.
Union Work Rules and Overtime
Some sources criticize the LIRR's labor practices, highlighting substantial overtime pay and archaic union work rules. In 2023, LIRR employees earned an average of over $26,000 in overtime. The article emphasizes that improvements to work rules are a significant sticking point in current negotiations with the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and other unions.
"Our unions have worked hard to narrow the gap in this round of negotiations... The LIRR passengers deserve the assurance of dependable service without disruption. Our members deserve a fair contract. Governor Hochul can help deliver both," said TCU/IAM National President Artie Maratea.
