LIRR workers could go on strike next month if they cannot reach a deal
NEW YORK (WABC) -- Long Island Rail Road workers could go on strike as early as May 16 if they cannot reach a deal.
The leaders of five unions who represent more than 3,500 LIRR workers held a briefing Wednesday.
They want a retroactive 9.5% wage increase that covers the past three years. They also want an additional 5% raise starting this year.
The federal government prevent a work stoppage, but Congress did not intervene last year when NJ Transit workers went on strike.
LIRR workers last went on strike in 1994.
At the same time, contract talks with Transport Workers Union Local 100, which represents subway and bus operators, are getting underway. Negotiations officially begin Thursday with an exchange of demands at the union's Brooklyn headquarters.
Union leaders say rising costs and workplace conditions will be the center of discussions.
A news conference scheduled for Thursday afternoon is expected to provide more details on the union's demands and the path forward in negotiations.
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