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The Long Island Rail Road (LIRR), New York City’s commuter railroad, went on strike on May 16 (local time), raising concerns that hundreds of thousands of area commuters could face major disruptions. Authorities warn the impact could intensify the morning of May 18, the first workday after the weekend.
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), which operates the LIRR, announced that the strike has begun and service is suspended. Union leaders and management had been negotiating over wages and work rules, but talks collapsed on May 15. No further bargaining sessions have been scheduled. About 3,500 workers across five unions joined the strike, including engineers, ticket agents, signal operators, electricians and technicians.
The greatest disruption is expected during the morning commute on May 18, when roughly 300,000 New Yorkers typically travel to work. Passengers can turn to buses as an alternative, but peak-hour bus capacity is limited to about 13,000 riders.
Driving is also an option, but the recent spike in gasoline prices may deter some commuters. Local officials warn that major road congestion and overcrowded public transit could worsen simultaneously.
This is the LIRR’s first strike in roughly 30 years and only the fourth in its history. Previous strikes occurred in 1980, 1987 and 1994, lasting from two days to as long as 11 days.
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