LIRR unions, MTA's late-night bargaining session ends with no deal to stop strike
Summary
A late-night meeting between the MTA and the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) unions ended without a deal, so the strike continues. Negotiations will resume early Monday morning as the strike affects many commuters.Key Facts
- The National Mediation Board held a meeting until 1:30 a.m. Sunday to help the MTA and five LIRR unions restart contract talks.
- The unions and MTA had a deal on wages for the first three years but disagreed on healthcare cost increases for new hires in the fourth year.
- Union leaders say the wage offers do not keep up with inflation and oppose increases in healthcare contributions.
- MTA’s CEO said LIRR workers are the highest paid railroad employees in the U.S. and accused unions of blocking a fair deal.
- The strike has shut down the Long Island Rail Road, the busiest commuter rail system in North America.
- Starting Monday morning, the MTA will run shuttle buses from six locations to help commuters get to New York City subways during the strike.
- New York Governor Kathy Hochul urged unions to return to talks and said the strike causes $61 million in economic losses each day.
- Nassau County’s top official asked the governor to temporarily stop congestion tolls during the strike, but she said it is not legally allowed.
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