Railroad workers avert strike action until no later than May; they appeal to President Trump for mediation in their ongoing dispute
Long Island Rail Road Union Threatens Strike, Seeks Federal Intervention
In a significant development, five unions representing about half of the Long Island Rail Road's (LIRR) workforce have voted to authorize a strike, potentially disrupting the nation's busiest commuter railroad. The unions' decision came after talks with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) broke down, and they have requested federal intervention to keep workers on the job until at least May.
The unions' vote to authorize a strike was an unmistakable message of unity and commitment, aimed at the MTA. Gilman Lang, the general chairman of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen, expressed concerns about disrupting commutes on the LIRR, which carries approximately 300,000 daily riders.
However, Lang emphasized the importance of avoiding such disruptions, especially as the LIRR is hosting an international event next week – the Ryder Cup golf tournament – and does not want to shut down due to a worker strike this week.
Transit union leaders have requested President Donald Trump to convene an emergency board to broker a deal, which would delay a strike for eight months. This move is intended to prevent any potential embarrassment for New York State and the MTA on the world stage.
Lang stated that the MTA is playing a game of chicken with the unions, but he and the unions are prepared to take all lawful actions necessary to secure a fair and reasonable contract. The unions have made it clear that they are not seeking to disrupt services unnecessarily but are instead fighting for the rights and fair treatment of their members.
The MTA, on the other hand, has not commented on the matter publicly at the time of this writing. It remains to be seen how the situation will unfold in the coming days, but one thing is certain: the unions are determined to secure a deal that is in the best interest of their members and the commuters who rely on the LIRR every day.
