The Long Island Rail Road screen at Penn Station shows no trains running on the first day of the LIRR strike in New York City, U.S., May 16, 2026. REUTERS/Angelina Katsanis
(New York, NY) – For the first time since 1994, there is no service on the Long Island Railroad after union workers hit the picket lines on Saturday morning. Talks stalled Friday night, and there seems to be no scheduled return to the bargaining table. Officials with the MTA claim workers are making unreasonable demands, while the unions representing 3,500 workers say they are just asking the transit agency to keep up with the rising costs of living. Here is everything we know about the strike from what workers are saying to contingency plans announced by public officials:
How Can I Get to the City?
Beginning at 4 a.m. on Monday, free shuttle buses are scheduled to take commuters from six stations on Long Island to two subway stations in Queens. Buses from LIRR stations at Ronkonkoma and Huntington will take commuters to the F train at Jamaica-179 St. There will also be shuttles at Mineola LIRR, Hicksville LIRR, Bay Shore LIRR, Hempstead Lake State Park taking commuters to the Howard Beach JFK Airport A train stop. While the shuttle buses are going to be free, you will still have to tap to pay or use an OMNY card.
If you want to drive as far as you can west, without paying the controversial congestion pricing toll, you can park your car at Citi Field and hop on the 7 line. Nassau residents are being encouraged to take a NICE bus to points in Flushing and Jamaica. For more details you can get guided route information on their website.
Why Are Workers Striking?
Workers have maintained that they do not believe their demands are extreme. Kevin Sexton, Vice President of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen, apologized to commuters being caught in the crosshairs. Reporting initially said workers were at odds with the MTA over proposed pay raises in the fourth year of a new contract. Workers were demanding a 5% raise, while the MTA was only offering a 3% increase. The agency ended up agreeing to a 9.5% raise over the next three years
Officials Warning Union Workers
Governor Kathy Hochul is urging anyone that has the ability to work from home to take that opportunity and avoid the expected travel nightmare. Hochul called the workers’ decision to strike as “reckless”. She said the workers are some of the highest paid railroad workers in the country and their demands would end up costing riders. Hochul also put the blame on President Donald Trump, she claims there was not enough time for an emergency mediation board to get both sides to come to terms. The comment sparked some backlash on Truth Social from the President
Candidate for Governor and Nassau County Executive, Bruce Blakeman, is calling for the MTA to suspend the $9 congestion pricing toll as the strike continues. Hochul claimed that is not a legally viable option. Islip Town Supervisor Angie Carpenter spoke with ABC 7, where she warned union workers to “think twice” saying a lot of people would love to work for the railroad.
How are Riders Feeling?
While there has not been an official survey asking LIRR riders their thoughts on the strike, data from the MTA shows that a lot of people are generally satisfied with service on the railroad. The MTA conducts so-called “Customers Count” polls twice a year. The spring survey closed on May 3rd, and the agency has yet to release the numbers. However, the Fall 2025 survey found 80% of respondents were satisfied with the railroad. Sports fans are hoping that something is sorted out soon since the Knicks are going to be playing right above Penn Station in the Eastern Conference Finals.
The last strike in June 1994 only lasted two days. This work stoppage already has the last one beat, as there are no scheduled talks between union negotiators and MTA officials.
