'Cautiously optimistic': LIRR unions, MTA resume talks on day 3 of strike | Live updates

Talks are set to resume this morning at 7:30 a.m. between LIRR workers and the MTA.

This is the third day of the strike, but the first workday.

The talks are being described as "cordial."

Anthony Johnson looks ahead as MTA management and LIRR union workers plan to resume talks.

Anthony Johnson reports.

Still, those talks won't come in time to help the Monday morning commute.

The National Mediation Board got involved along with some pressure from Governor Kathy Hochul to get the talk restarted.

The two sides, the five unions and the MTA, avoided each other on Saturday which was the first day of the strike.

The negotiations on this contract began back in 2023. The big issues are salaries and health care.

The only activity in the LIRR concourse is NJ Transit and Amtrak riders walking through, and Port Authority police. By now, railroad riders aren't coming to look for service, but they are trying to figure out what to do.

Sonia Rincon reports from Penn Station:

Sonia Rinon has more from Penn Station.

Outside Penn Station, striking railroad workers are loudly and proudly demanding the contract that has eluded them so far.

If you head downstairs, the signage makes it abundantly clear -- you can't even get a ticket for a future train. A person who works at Penn told Eyewitness News it definitely feels like we're witnessing a historic event. No service because of several unions on strike? That hasn't happened in more than 30 years.

The National Mediation Board has stepped in to the LIRR strike to try to help resume bargaining between the Metropolitan Transportation Authority and the striking unions.

Joe Torres has the details:

Joe Torres has the details.

The coalition of five Long Island Rail Road unions and the MTA were summoned to a meeting in Manhattan.

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

LIRR union representative Mike Carlucci said he appreciated the governor's public comments but criticized the lack of direct negotiations.

"I still remain disappointed that we're not talking right now," Carlucci said. "We're not in the room getting this done."

According to Carlucci, two independent presidential boards have already reviewed the dispute and concluded the union's demands are reasonable. He urged decision-makers to return to the negotiating table and move the process forward.

The strike has significantly disrupted commuters across Long Island, leaving many unable to travel into New York City. Carlucci acknowledged the widespread impact, noting that union members themselves are also feeling the strain.

"This is affecting everyone, including us," he said. "We're working without money right now. But we have to stay together and fight for what we believe is fair and equitable."

Krista McNally reports