Long Island Rail Road commuters may face a full shutdown starting Thursday, September 18, if a deal isn’t reached between the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) and several unions.
What’s at stake
- Five unions, representing nearly half of LIRR’s workforce, have threatened to strike.
- The MTA is offering a 9.5% wage increase over three years.
- The unions want 16%, citing inflation and the region’s cost of living.
Impact on riders
- No trains will run if the strike happens.
- The MTA urges commuters to work from home where possible.
- Shuttle buses will connect some LIRR stations to subways in Queens during rush hours.
- Nassau County riders may need to use NICE buses to transfer to the subway.
- Monthly ticket holders could get prorated refunds for lost service days.
Why now
A federally mandated 30-day cooling-off period expires September 18, clearing the way for a legal strike.
What’s next
Negotiations continue this week. The MTA and unions both say they want to avoid a shutdown, but no deal has been reached.
Commuters should sign up for LIRR service alerts and plan alternate routes.
