LIRR strike live updates: Unions, MTA reach agreement to end 3-day walkout

Trains are rolling again on the Long Island Rail Road after a deal was reached to end a strike that had shut down the busiest commuter rail system in the country.

The first trains departed from Manhattan's Penn Station and Grand Central Terminal heading east toward Long Island shortly after noon on Tuesday. Trains were also scheduled to depart from other stations on the four main branches of the system after that time, with full service expected to be back across all branches at 4 p.m. in time for the evening rush.

"It was a difficult circumstance, but I'm very happy and I'm very pleased that we're back in business," said Robert Free, president of the LIRR, shortly before the first trains departed. "We're back to doing what we do best, and that's providing service, and keeping this region moving."

Labor union leaders, meanwhile, began briefing rank-and-file members about the contract terms, said Jamie Horwitz, a spokesperson for the five unions. Voting was expected to take place over the coming days according to each union's contract ratification process.

Commuters in the eastern suburbs of New York City, meanwhile, muddled through another tough morning rush hour. Trains weren't ready for service in time for the commute into work as the agreement was reached late Monday.

The LIRR still urged riders to work from home again Tuesday if possible. Shuttle buses were offered from a handful of locations on Long Island to subway stations in New York City.

Engineers are moving their trains into position as the nation's busiest commuter railroad gets busy again. Railroad officials are anticipating a normal evening rush hour, with full service into and out of New York City.

It was the first strike on the Long Island Rail Road in more than 30 years. And the longest strike in almost 40 years.

But after three days, negotiators emerged Monday evening with a deal to settle the contract and to re-open the railroad.

The deal gives workers a four-year contact with a six-week extension and annual raises of 3%, 3%, 3.5% and 4.5% in the final year. They will receive a $3,000 lump sum payment and full retroactive pay.

The unions had demanded 5% in the final year, but settled for the lump sum, instead.

N.J. Burkett reports on the resumption of LIRR service.

The first LIRR train will be at 12:03 p.m. from Penn Station to Ronkonkoma.

Service will first resume only on the four electrified branches - the Babylon, Huntington, Port Washington and Ronkonkoma branches.

All branches, those that use electric as well as diesel trains, will resume normal weekday schedule at 4 p.m. -- in time for the ride home and to bring fans to tonight's Knicks game.

MTA officials had hoped to have service restored for the morning commute, but negotiations with the five LIRR unions, representing 3,500 employees, dragged on into Monday night.

The strike ended at midnight, and several steps must now be completed to get the LIRR's fleet of about 1,300 trains out of the yards and back into service. Crew dispatchers must first call workers back, who must be assigned to trains, which need to be repositioned for the morning commute. And tracks need to be inspected per federal guidelines before they can be used again.

Details of the deal were not disclosed, the union must bring it to the rank and file to ratify. The union believes the agreement will be passed.

"If we didn't think that it would be ratifiable, we would still be at the bargaining table," Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen Vice President Kevin Sexton said.

Gov. Hochul said the deal would not lead to an increase on fares or state taxes.

The Eyewitness News team is following the morning commute for LIRR passengers ahead of restored train service.

While many regular passengers are opting to work from home, others must use alternate ways to reach their destinations.

"Everyone is saying on time, smooth, great," Jaysha Patel spoke to commuters using shuttle buses.

Jaysha Patel reports on the end of the LIRR strike.

Phil Taitt is at a bus stop in Mineola.

Phil Taitt reports on the end of the LIRR strike.

Plus, John Del Giorno took a look at traffic volume over the Long Island Expressway.

John Del Giorno reports on the commute from NewsCopter 7.