MTA, LIRR labor leaders meet, but are no closer to avoiding work stoppage

Metropolitan Transportation Authority managers and Long Island Rail Road labor leaders were back at the bargaining table Thursday but still could not reach a deal to prevent a commute-crippling strike in just over one week, officials said.

The negotiation session at the LIRR’s Jamaica headquarters marked the third meeting in eight days between the MTA and representatives from labor organizations representing about half of the railroad’s 7,000-member unionized workforce.

The meeting lasted about four hours and ended without a settlement, according to an MTA spokesman, who would not offer other details of the session other than saying that discussions will continue. A union spokesman did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The two sides are embroiled in a three-year contract dispute that, if unsettled, could result in LIRR locomotive engineers, signal inspectors, electricians, machinists and ticket clerks walking off the job at 12:01 a.m. on May 16. It would be the first work stoppage at the railroad since 1994.

At issue is the size of raises in a fourth year of a retroactive contract spanning 2023-2026. Both sides have agreed to 9.5% in wage increases over the first three years. The unions wants 5% in a fourth year. The MTA has offered 4.5%, but only if workers agree to several productivity increases and work rule concessions.

Although MTA officials have expressed confidence the matter could be resolved without a strike, they held a Zoom call Wednesday with elected officials from across the LIRR’s service territory to discuss contingency plans.

The MTA has said the LIRR would be unable to serve its 270,000 daily customers in the event of a strike. Instead, transit officials said they would focus on serving essential workers who must commute into New York City. Limited, rush-hour shuttle buses would bring commuters to and from five locations on Long Island and two subway stations in Queens.

Assemb. Keith Brown (R-Northport) participated in the Zoom call along with about 100 other elected officials. Brown described the meeting as “informational and cordial,” and said the MTA appeared to have a well-organized plan, although he’d like to see additional busing options for South Shore commuters.

Brown said MTA officials’ key message was “they're doing everything they can to avoid a strike” but had a plan in place if it comes to that.

“They understood the gravity of the situation and that they needed to get the message out to make sure that we’re ready,” Brown said.

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.