A looming strike at the Long Island Rail Road could start as early as next Thursday, upending travel plans for more than 270,000 people who ride the trains each day.
Unions representing more than 3,000 employees — close to half of the railroad’s work force — have threatened to strike unless they receive raises that exceed those negotiated by other divisions of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, the state agency that operates the railroad.
Even if only some of the unions go on strike, the entire service would most likely be suspended, because the striking workers would include engineers, signalmen and ticket collectors, among other vital groups.
The strike would be the first to take place on the Long Island Rail Road, America’s busiest passenger rail service, since 1994, when a two-day suspension sent riders scrambling for alternatives.
Even as both sides brace for a work stoppage, there is still a chance that a contract agreement can be reached. Gov. Kathy Hochul of New York, who controls the M.T.A., also has the option to seek a federal intervention, which could delay the strike for months. But it is unclear if Ms. Hochul will reach out to the Trump administration, which she has blamed for making the unusual decision to end mediation between the two sides and allow the strike to proceed.
Here’s what to know about the possible strike and how it would affect commuters.
What happens if workers strike?
If a deal can’t be reached, workers would go on strike just after midnight on Sept. 18, halting all train service to key stops in Manhattan and Brooklyn, as well as connections to the two major airports in Queens and all points east on Long Island.
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The post Long Island Rail Road Workers May Strike. Here’s What to Know. appeared first on New York Times.
