Long Island Rail Road workers go on strike, halting busiest US commuter rail system
Summary
Workers on New York’s Long Island Rail Road started a strike early Saturday, stopping service on the busiest commuter rail system in the US. The strike happened after talks between unions and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) failed to reach a new contract agreement.Key Facts
- About half of the Long Island Rail Road’s 7,000 workers, including engineers and machinists, are on strike.
- The strike began at 12:01 a.m. Saturday after contract talks ended without agreement.
- The unions want a 16% pay raise over four years; the MTA offered at least 9.5% over three years plus around 4.5% in the fourth year.
- The strike affects about 250,000 daily riders who must find other ways to get to New York City.
- MTA plans to run free, limited shuttle buses for essential workers during rush hours.
- Governor Kathy Hochul blamed union leaders for the strike and encouraged riders to work from home.
- MTA chairman Janno Lieber said the agency met union pay demands and believes the strike was planned.
- The strike will cause more traffic on highways and longer commute times for many workers and sports fans.
Read the Full Article
This is a fact-based summary from The Actual News. Click below to read the complete story directly from the original source.