The threat of Long Island Rail Road workers walking off the job is beginning to get very real for about 300,000 daily riders.
So what would that look like for commutes? The transit agency has put out contingency plans and offered an alternative in the event of a strike, though it may not be an option for all riders on the largest commuter rail network in the nation.
If there’s a walkout next month, the contingency plan includes customers taking a bus to the “A” subway train from Hempstead, Hicksville, or Mineola, or a bus to the “F” train from Huntington and Ronkonkoma.
Some riders’ advocates would like to see a much more robust contingency plan. For example, “Park and Ride” at Babylon and more access on the southern shore of Long Island. The MTA says it will take ideas under advisement, with the strike deadline set for May 16.
The best alternative, the MTA said, would be for riders to work from home. Refunds would be provided to those with monthly tickets.
(Image: NBC New York
“I’d have to take my car in which I am not happy about,” said commuter Thomas Kear, adding that the best way to avoid long messy commutes, is for the two sides to make a deal. “They’re gonna raise fares anyway so give the conductors and workers a decent wage.”
After Gov. Kathy Hochul addressed the strike threat on Monday, a union spokesman confirmed the railroad and five of its unions had resumed contract talks. Some riders’ advocates say it’s an untenable situation. And they’re hoping now that the two sides are seemingly talking again, a deal could still happen.
Union members had staged a rally Saturday in Massapequa, vowing to carry out the threat of the first railroad strike in more than 30 years if no contract agreement is reached.
As recently as Friday, the two sides couldn’t even agree on whether a deal was close. MTA Chair Janno Liber said both sides were “closer, although we’re not there yet,” while the union said they were “no closer to a settlement.”
If talks between the MTA and five unions aren’t successful, the workers will walk off the job on May 16.
Five unions representing LIRR engineers have already authorized a strike. The unions want a 5% raise in the 4th year of a contract. The MTA, which controls the railroad, is offering 3% for 3 years.
A strike would be the first LIRR walkout in 32 years.
The topsy-turvy world of commuting by mass transit faces a major deadline, just two weeks from tonight. Andrew Siff with the latest.
