LIRR president Rob Free optimistic strike can be averted

The president of the LIRR expressed optimism Thursday that a deal could be reached to avert a railroad union strike less than a month away.

Ahead of a planned virtual conference with LIRR labor leaders Monday, Long Island Rail Road president Rob Free said he "absolutely" believes a settlement to the three-year-long contract dispute is within reach.

The two sides have already agreed on raises totaling 9.5% over the first three years of a new contract — terms already accepted by most Metropolitan Transportation Authority union workers. But the five LIRR labor organizations are demanding a fourth year at 5%. The MTA has countered with an offered 4.5% raise in the fourth year of the contract, but tied it to productivity increases and work rule givebacks.

"We want to talk to them. We're almost there," Free said at a Jamaica news conference. "Three years we're in agreement on. We're talking about a fourth year, and I don't think we're that far apart in what the raise would actually be."

The five labor organizations embroiled in the contract dispute represent nearly half the LIRR’s union workforce, including locomotive engineers, signal workers, machinists, ticket agents and electricians.

The unions have said the 15% in total raises they’re seeking is necessary to keep up with the rising cost of living, and with raises given to other union workers throughout the railroad industry. The LIRR’s offer, the unions have said, would amount to a pay cut.

Free said Wednesday that paying higher-than-expected wages would create added costs in the MTA’s operating budget, which is funded it part through riders’ fares. "Who’s going to pay for it?" Free asked.

Jeff Klein, general chairman of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 589, the union representing LIRR electricians, said he, too, remains optimistic that a deal can be made, but believes that raises for workers should not be "an unexpected operational expense."

"The MTA should not expect its workforce to subsidize its many inefficiencies by accepting a lower standard of living," Klein said.

Free also responded to criticism, including from the unions and from the head of the LIRR Commuter Council, that the railroad’s strike contingency plan doesn’t go far enough to accommodate displaced commuters.

The plan would offer limited rush hour bus service from three LIRR stations on Long Island and three subway stations in Queens.

Free said the MTA will "continue to work on" and refine its contingency plan, including by asking businesses to allow their employees to work from home.

"I think it's well understood that we couldn't possibly accommodate over 270,000 daily customers. We are doing the best we can," Free said. "The easiest thing to do is to not go on strike, so we don't have to worry about that."

By Alfonso A. Castillo

alfonso.castillo@newsday.com@alfonsoreports

Alfonso Castillo has been reporting for Newsday since 1999 and covering the transportation beat since 2008. He grew up in the Bronx and Queens and now lives in Valley Stream with his wife and two sons.