Unions, MTA resume talks ahead of looming LIRR strike threat

NEW YORK (WABC) -- LIRR union workers rallied at the Massapequa LIRR Station Saturday ahead of more contract negotiation talks with the MTA in Jamaica.

"We're pleased that management is coming to the table. There has been no sense of urgency. Until this week's contract talks, other than one meeting on March 20, there hadn't been negotiations since August of 2025, despite the labor coalition's requests," union leadership said.

The union representing LIRR workers is pushing for higher pay, but MTA leaders warn that agreeing to those demands could trigger significant fare hikes.

The MTA says if a strike happens, it will roll out a contingency plan that includes shuttle buses to help move riders.

Five unions representing 3,500 workers, including engineers, signalmen and trainmen, are threatening to strike on May 16.

The unions and LIRR have agreed to a retroactive 9.5% wage increase covering the last three years. But, the sticking point remains an additional 5% raise the workers want beginning this year.

The MTA says that's too high. The MTA has also pushed back about some of the lucrative penalty pay workers receive when tasked with certain jobs during a shift.

MTA officials say if they give LIRR workers what they are asking for, it could result in a fare hike as high as 8%.

More than a quarter million people ride the LIRR each day, and if there is a strike, the MTA would run free shuttle bus service from a limited number of LIRR stations: Lakeview, Hicksville, Ronkonkoma, Mineola, and Huntington bringing riders to a subway station.

For riders, the first strike in decades would be daunting, but most say they'd navigate through it.

White House-appointed mediators say there is no indication the MTA cannot afford the proposed increases.

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