Home / Business and Economy / LIRR Strike Looms: MTA Warns of Fare Hikes
LIRR Strike Looms: MTA Warns of Fare Hikes
10 May
Summary
- LIRR union workers rallied on Saturday ahead of contract talks.
- A strike is threatened for May 16 by 3,500 workers.
- MTA warns a deal could cause up to an 8% fare increase.
LIRR union workers rallied at the Massapequa station on Saturday, anticipating further contract negotiation talks with the MTA. Union leadership expressed satisfaction that management is returning to the table after a significant gap in discussions. The coalition representing 3,500 workers, including engineers and trainmen, has set a strike deadline for May 16.
Key issues in the ongoing negotiations include a retroactive 9.5% wage increase already agreed upon, and the union's demand for an additional 5% raise starting this year. The MTA has voiced concerns that these demands are too high and could necessitate fare increases of up to 8%.
In preparation for a potential strike, the MTA has developed a contingency plan. This plan includes running free shuttle bus service from several LIRR stations to subway stations for the more than 250,000 daily riders. White House-appointed mediators have noted that the MTA appears capable of affording the proposed wage increases.
