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(New York, NY) – A strike has been authorized by LIRR workers — but if it happens, it will be delayed — as the five unions yet to sign a deal are taking a different step. Spokespeople for the unions involved said they have requested an emergency presidential board to continue negotiations and delay the strike beyond the impending September 18 (Thursday) deadline.
The union’s representation said the upcoming Ryder Cup factored into their decision to delay the strike, because they feel as though the MTA wanted to embarrass their members if that came to pass. The Ryder Cup is a golf tournament enjoyed by fans from across the globe and it will be played at Bethpage Black golf course later this month — scheduled for Friday, September 26th through that Sunday, the 28th.
Few things are guaranteed in life. But one of the things people often take for granted is the ability to get to work. You may not want to go to work, and it’s possible you wish you were on vacation instead — but if you have a job, you’re able to get there. And for many people living in and around New York City, relying on mass transit agencies to get you to and from is commonplace. If for no other reason — parking in Manhattan is scarce, and very expensive.
Plus, in this era of congestion pricing, who wants to drive into Manhattan unless you really, really have to? Well, Long Island commuters may not have another choice beginning Thursday, September 18. At midnight that day, rail engineers employed by the MTA for LIRR trains may go on strike.
They’re unhappy with their pay — even though the average annual salary for LIRR rail engineers checks in at over $160,000 — when overtime is factored in. The union says the 9.5% raises offered over the next three years aren’t enough. They note inflation and other expenses. But the MTA says the rail engineers union is among five unions that haven’t signed agreements — and in fact want 6.5% higher than their other colleagues.
A work rule is also a sticking point, per reports. Under current rules, LIRR rail engineers are entitled to another day’s pay if they operate both an electric locomotive and a diesel-powered one during the same day. The MTA wants to do away with that.
If the strike happens, the MTA plans to run free shuttle buses to and from certain LIRR stops — to Queens subway stops — so people can get to the city. These will run every 10 minutes during peak commuter times, from Bellmore, Ronkonkoma, and Hicksville. LIRR will also be urging as many people as possible to work from home, if the strike gets underway.
There are some options remaining before a strike happens — in addition to the chance a deal is reached during negotiations. For example, the MTA, the unions involved, or Governor Kathy Hochul could call for a presidential emergency board, which could delay a strike for months while talks continue. But the union told News 12 Long Island they have no such plans to call for that step.
It’s not just Long Island commuters that could get screwed here. College students are also being left in the lurch if trains don’t roll. Farmingdale State College says 40% of its students use LIRR trains to get to class. Officials are allowing the school’s student body to attend class remotely, and submit assignments online as well. Hofstra University says it’s put an alert out to its students, adding teachers have until Tuesday to come up with contingency plans.
Earlier this year, NJ Transit trains went on strike for several days — but then that ended following protracted negotiations that took place over a weekend in late May.
