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LIRR Strike Ends, 3,500 Workers Secure Pay Boost

5/23/2026

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Summary

LIRR Workers End Strike

After three days, the strike ended with a four-year deal that raises pay for 3,500 workers without fare or tax hikes.
More than 3,500 employees from unions halted Long Island Rail Road service on Saturday.
Union leaders wanted a 5% increase, but the MTA offered 3% with concessions.
Governor Kathy Hochul blamed reckless actions by administration of U.S. President Donald Trump and warned it could trigger fare or tax hikes.

Summary

LIRR Workers Win

The May 16, 2026 walkout marked the Long Island Rail Road’s first strike in over three decades.
Mark Wallace, president of the BLET and the Teamsters Rail Conference, said workers won by standing their ground after two Presidential Emergency Boards issued union-favoring rulings.
Members will vote on ratifying the tentative contract by mid-June 2026.
Workers endured months without raises as inflation eroded their standard of living before the deal.

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LIRR Workers End Strike

After three days, the strike ended with a four-year deal that raises pay for 3,500 workers without fare or tax hikes.
More than 3,500 employees from unions halted Long Island Rail Road service on Saturday.
Union leaders wanted a 5% increase, but the MTA offered 3% with concessions.
Governor Kathy Hochul blamed reckless actions by administration of U.S. President Donald Trump and warned it could trigger fare or tax hikes.

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