Story perspectives

MTA-LIRR Unions Miss Deal, Threaten May Strike

5/15/2026

Summary

MTA Faces Strike

The MTA and five LIRR unions failed to reach a contract, risking a strike on May 16, 2026.
They settled on a 9.5% wage rise for three years, while unions demand 5% raise in year four and MTA offers 3% raise plus 4.5% lump-sum.
The proposal totals $133,788,000, $134 million.
Governor Kathy Hochul warned of 8% fare hike, urged work-from-home, and announced shuttle buses from six Long Island sites to Queens subway stations.

Summary

BLET Authorizes Strike

Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) Mark Wallace authorized a strike on May 8 if talks fail.
The coalition of BLET, International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAMAW), International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) and Transportation Communications Union (TCU) plus Railroad Signalmen represents 3,500 LIRR workers while the MTA’s 4.5% raise hinges on an 18-hour cap.
Picket signs were displayed at IBEW Local 589 as Ed Romaine rallied at Massapequa.

Summary

Sikes Warns

Stacey Sikes warns a LIRR shutdown could cost tens of millions of dollars daily.
The LIRR’s only prior strike was in June 1994 and halted service for two days.
Maulin Mehta says an extended walkout could jeopardize commuters’ jobs.
A three-day New Jersey Transit strike last May shows disputes can spread.
A potential LIRR strike would overlap the NBA Conference Finals at Madison Square Garden, raising transportation concerns.

History

Historical Context

The Long Island Rail Road, founded in 1834 and taken over by the state in 1965, now serves over 336,300 riders daily. Decades of service complaints and costly upgrades—such as a $1.6 billion budget—have kept labor costs front-and-center. In 2026, MTA officials, Governor Kathy Hochul and IBEW Local 589 are negotiating a $133.8 million offer, echoing past disputes over wages and service reliability.

1 of 4

MTA Faces Strike

The MTA and five LIRR unions failed to reach a contract, risking a strike on May 16, 2026.
They settled on a 9.5% wage rise for three years, while unions demand 5% raise in year four and MTA offers 3% raise plus 4.5% lump-sum.
The proposal totals $133,788,000, $134 million.
Governor Kathy Hochul warned of 8% fare hike, urged work-from-home, and announced shuttle buses from six Long Island sites to Queens subway stations.

1 / 4