Federal mediators side with LIRR unions in bargaining dispute with MTA

JAMAICA (WABC) -- Federal mediators have sided with the LIRR unions in their ongoing collective bargaining dispute with the MTA.

The Presidential Emergency Board, the second one established to mediate the dispute, said the union's contract offer was "the most reasonable" of the two submitted by the union and the MTA.

There will now be a 60 day cooling off period where both sides will negotiate. If an agreement isn't reached by then, the unions have the right to go on strike any time after July 19th.

The first Emergency Board recommended a contract that was accepted by the unions but rejected by the MTA, which asked for the 2nd board to be created.

In Tuesday's ruling, the mediators said "Based on the above and upon the record as a whole, the Board finds that the Unions' final offer is the most reasonable."

In response, the MTA released a statement: "The MTA is disappointed that the Presidential Emergency Board did not accept as the most reasonable offer our proposal for 11 percent raises over six years for the Long Island Rail Road unions, consistent with the agreement overwhelmingly ratified by the Transport Workers Union. Our proposal is a fair and reasonable way to recognize our employees' hard work and provide them with competitive wages, retroactive pay, quality healthcare and secure pensions. If adopted, the Board recommendation would significantly reduce funds available for the MTA Capital Plan. We still believe a fair, reasonable and affordable agreement can be negotiated at the bargaining table, as it was with the TWU."