LIRR unions, MTA to resume talks Monday morning | Live updates

Long Island Rail Road workers went on strike as of 12:01 a.m. Saturday after not reaching a new contract deal with the MTA.

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Last updated: Monday, May 18, 2026 10:54AM GMT
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NEW YORK (WABC) -- The Metropolitan Transportation Authority and the coalition of five striking Long Island Rail Road unions plan to resume talks Monday morning at 7:30 a.m.

This comes after the National Mediation Board stepped in, summoning management and workers to a meeting in Manhattan on Sunday.

The federal labor agency governs labor relations for railroads and airlines.

CURRENT STATUS: Talks scheduled to resume at 7:30 a.m. Monday. LIRR unions remain on the picket lines.

Earlier on Sunday, New York Governor Kathy Hochul called for talks to resume to end the strike by LIRR unionized workers, which has shut down the Long Island Rail Road, North America's largest commuter rail system.

The five unions represent about half its workforce, including engineers, signalmen and trainmen.

The unions and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority have been negotiating for months on a new contract, with talks stalled over workers' salaries and healthcare premiums.

Hochul urged the roughly 250,000 people who ride the system to work from home on Monday, if they can.

May 16, 2026, 12:48 PM GMT

How to get to Citi Field from Long Island

Big crowds are expected for the Mets-Yankees series this Saturday and Sunday, but because of the strike, there is no LIRR service to and from Citi Field.

The Mets are running a dedicated shuttle service from six locations across the region.

Mets shuttle pickup locations
Roosevelt Field
Walt Whitman Shops
Manhasset LIRR Station
Bay Plaza
Paramus Park
Newport Centre Mall

Other ways to get there:

The 7 train runs direct to Mets-Willets Point, which is the easiest option from Manhattan. Seastreak Ferry offers service from Stamford, Highlands, and St. George.

Commuters from New Jersey can take NJ Transit rail into the city, then connect to the E train toward Jackson Heights-Roosevelt Avenue, or the 1/2/3 to Times Square-42nd Street, and ride the 7 to Mets-Willets Point. Citi Bike docking stations are available throughout Queens and Manhattan. And if you're using a rideshare, designated pickup and drop-off zones are available at the ballpark.

Capacity crowds are expected both days. Plan ahead: leave early, build in extra travel time, and check the MLB Ballpark app before you head out for real-time updates.

May 16, 2026, 10:35 AM GMT

LIRR on Strike: Coverage from Eyewitness News Saturday Morning

Team coverage of the LIRR strike from Eyewitness News
May 16, 2026, 9:32 AM GMT

Governor Hochul issues statement on LIRR strike

New York Governor Kathy Hochul issued a statement early Saturday critical of the unions and President Trump.

"These unions represent the highest-paid workers of any railroad in the nation, yet they are demanding contracts that could raise fares as much as 8%, pit workers against one another, and risk tax hikes for Long Islanders. This is unacceptable. My priority is protecting affordability for riders and ensuring fairness across the workforce," she wrote.

""The disruption that Long Islanders face starting tonight is the direct result of reckless actions by the Trump Administration to cut mediation short and push these negotiations toward a strike."

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May 16, 2026, 9:25 AM GMT

'Not the result we are looking for': MTA responds after LIRR workers go on strike

MTA Chairman Janno Lieber spoke after contract negotiations ended without a deal at midnight, saying, "The MTA board cannot responsibly make a deal that implodes the budget."