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Possible LIRR strike could happen at midnight if no deal is reached | Live updates
Last updated: Friday, May 15, 2026 10:23PM GMT
NEW YORK (WABC) -- Long Island Rail Road workers could go on strike as of 12:01 a.m. Saturday if they don't reach a new contract deal with the MTA.
CURRENT STATUS: Negotiations underway.
The union representing LIRR workers is pushing for higher pay, but MTA leaders warn that agreeing to those demands could trigger significant fare hikes.
Five unions representing 3,500 workers, including engineers, signalmen and trainmen, are threatening to strike if an agreement cannot be reached.
The MTA says if a strike happens, it will roll out a contingency plan that includes shuttle buses to help move riders.
Key Headlines
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Here's how the news is developing.
4:25 PM 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."
4:23 PM 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.
3:54 PM 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."
