Hochul criticizes LIRR unions' 'reckless' strike

Gov. Kathy Hochul, after staying far from the final days of negotiations, weighed in on the LIRR strike early Saturday, calling the unions' decision "reckless."

“The LIRR is more stable now than it has been for generations. The decision by some unions to strike over demands that would threaten that progress is reckless," Hochul said in a written statement.

"These unions represent the highest paid workers of any railroad in the nation, yet they are demanding contracts that could raise fares as much as 8%, pit workers against one another, and risk tax hikes for Long Islanders. This is unacceptable."

Hochul also blamed President Donald Trump's administration for "cut[ting] mediation short and push[ing] these negotiations toward a strike."

Hochul's Republican opponent for governor, Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, has blamed Hochul for the strike.

The strike, the LIRR's first since 1994, is poised to cause massive disruption to commuters if it stretches into next workweek.

"I believe a deal can be done and I urge both the MTA and these unions to return to the table and bargain non-stop until a deal is reached.”