President Donald Trump has signed an executive order establishing an emergency mediation board to address a labor dispute at the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR), a move aimed at preventing a possible strike that threatened to disrupt daily commutes for hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers.
The dispute, involving LIRR unions and management, raised the prospect of service disruptions that could have left nearly 250,000 daily riders without reliable transportation. The timing of the threat was particularly concerning given the upcoming Ryder Cup, which is expected to draw large crowds to Long Island and increase demand on the rail system.
By appointing the emergency mediation board, the Trump administration seeks to bring both sides back to the table and avoid a shutdown that could ripple through the region’s economy and transportation network.
“The President is taking decisive action to ensure that New Yorkers don’t face unnecessary disruptions in their daily lives or during major events,” a White House spokesperson said.
The mediation board will conduct hearings, gather testimony, and issue recommendations designed to resolve the contract dispute before a strike deadline is reached. Both union and management representatives are required to participate in the proceedings.
New York officials and business leaders have welcomed the move, noting that a strike would have had a “devastating impact” on commuters and the state’s image as it prepares to host an international sporting event.
While the order does not guarantee an agreement, it buys time for negotiations to continue under federal oversight, reducing the immediate risk of a strike.