Long Island Rail Road Strike Ends as MTA and Unions Reach Tentative Agreement
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority and five unions have reached a tentative agreement, ending the three-day Long Island Rail Road strike that disrupted service for approximately 250,000 daily commuters.
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) and five unions representing Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) workers have reached a tentative agreement, concluding a three-day strike that disrupted service for approximately 250,000 daily commuters. New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced the deal on Monday evening, stating that phased LIRR service would resume beginning Tuesday at noon.
The strike commenced at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday after contract negotiations between the MTA and the unions stalled. The unions, representing about 3,500 workers, had been in discussions with the MTA since 2023, primarily over wage increases and healthcare contributions. The work stoppage marked the first major LIRR strike since 1994.
The National Mediation Board facilitated renewed negotiations over the weekend, leading to the tentative agreement. Specific terms of the deal have not been disclosed, pending union member votes. Governor Hochul emphasized that the agreement delivers raises for workers while protecting riders and taxpayers.
LIRR officials indicated that limited service would resume on Tuesday at noon, with full service expected by the afternoon rush hour. Commuters are advised to check the latest schedules as service is restored.