rail

LIRR Unions Push 14.5% Wage Increase as Strike Deadline Looms

Contract negotiations resumed May 14 between the Metropolitan Transportation Authority and five unions representing 3,500 Long Island Rail Road workers. A strike deadline is set for 12:01 a.m. under the Railway Labor Act. The coalition — comprising the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen, Transportation Communications Union, Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen, International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, and International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers — is demanding wage increases of 14.5% over four years. The MTA countered with smaller increases and a $3,000 lump-sum payment. Union officials cite the high cost of living on Long Island as justification for their demands. Two Presidential Emergency Boards have supported the unions' position. MTA leadership warns that higher wages could force significant fare increases. The unions authorized self-help actions under the Railway Labor Act if negotiations fail to produce an agreement.