The MTA is bracing for a potential Long Island Rail Road strike that could begin as soon as September 18.
Five unions representing nearly half of the LIRR’s 7,000 workers are demanding higher raises than the 9.5% increase over three years already accepted by most other MTA unions. The agency says it is developing contingency plans, including limited shuttle buses between LIRR stations and subway hubs in Queens, while urging commuters to prepare for disruptions.
About 300,000 riders rely on the LIRR daily. A strike could still be delayed if a federal Presidential Emergency Board is appointed, but so far neither the unions, the MTA, nor Gov. Kathy Hochul have requested it.