May 16, 2026, 9:25 AM GMT
LIRR strike ends as unions, MTA reach deal after 3-day walkout
Long Island Rail Road started running trains at noon Tuesday, with full service to all branches by the afternoon rush hour.
Last updated: Tuesday, May 19, 2026 10:48PM GMT
NEW YORK (WABC) -- Negotiators have reached a deal to end a strike that has brought North America's largest commuter rail system to a standstill.
CURRENT STATUS: LIRR unions, MTA reach deal to end 3-day strike.
The deal between the Long Island Rail Road and union leaders was announced on Monday. The two sides had bargained for years before the strike began Saturday.
The shutdown forced roughly 250,000 commuters who ride the system each weekday to work from home or find alternate routes to and from the city.
LIRR service started back up beginning Tuesday at noon.
Key Headlines
- May 19, 2026, 5:17 PM GMT
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- May 19, 2026, 12:49 AM GMT
Here's how the news is developing.
May 16, 2026, 9:25 AM GMT
Hochul continues to push both sides to reach a deal
Gov Kathy Hochul's office said the governor called into negotiations on Friday morning.
"Governor Hochul called into this morning's negotiations with one simple message: getting a deal requires both sides to work together, including labor. Nobody wins in a strike - riders will suffer and thousands of workers will lose out on wages they need."
May 16, 2026, 9:25 AM GMT
LIRR riders worry a strike will make for nightmare commutes
About 300,000 commuters hope a deal is reached so they don't have to deal with a nightmare on their way to work on Monday.
People we spoke with Friday morning are very apprehensive about the looming strike and are now trying to figure out their own plans for how they will get to and from work if it happens.
Some say they are choosing not to work or to work from home, while others say they are going to attempt to drive themselves.
Krista McNally has more from commuters in Massapequa.
May 16, 2026, 9:25 AM GMT
Group estimates LIRR strike could cost up to $70 million
The Long Island Association estimates an LIRR strike could cost $70 million in lost spending daily, up from a state comptroller estimate ahead of a potential LIRR strike in July 2014 that projected up to $50 million.
The Long Island Association said in a statement:
"The LIA is deeply concerned about the economic consequences as we head into peak tourism season on Long Island, including lost tax revenue and sales, as well as increased traffic congestion. We urge all parties to reach a swift resolution."
