NEW YORK (WABC) — Mere days remain until hundreds of LIRR workers say they will go on strike, unless they get a new contract offer they deem acceptable.
Nearly 300,000 commuters would be left scrambling if the LIRR were to pause operations.
The MTA and unions representing LIRR workers have reached a preliminary deal, and the two sides are meeting again today.
Management and worker groups don’t yet see eye to eye when it comes to raises.
The MTA says both sides have agreed to retroactive raises, but the sticking point remains for 2026: the union is asking for 5%, while the MTA is offering just 3%.
The MTA says it submitted a proposal during Monday’s meeting, it’s unknown whether or not their proposal met the union’s demand.
MTA officials claim that to cover extra costs, they may have to cut service, reduce jobs or even hike fares up to 8% next year.
Labor leaders say that’s not true, and LIRR riders are hoping for a solution soon.
If a strike happens on Saturday, May 16, MTA officials say they have a contingency plan in place, which includes shuttle buses for LIRR riders.
———-
* Get Eyewitness News Delivered
* More local news
* Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts
Submit a tip or story idea to Eyewitness News
Have a breaking news tip or an idea for a story we should cover? Send it to Eyewitness News using the form below. If attaching a video or photo, terms of use apply.
Copyright © 2026 WABC-TV. All Rights Reserved.
