Progress in deal to end LIRR strike, sources say

MTA managers and Long Island Rail Road union leaders are getting closer to an agreement to return LIRR employees to work and end the strike on its third day, according to four sources with knowledge of negotiations Monday.

While talks continue at the MTA’s lower Manhattan headquarters, sources who've been briefed on talks and speaking under the condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive negotiations, said an agreement is taking shape, though there was no deal imminent early Monday afternoon.

However, a separate union source said the two sides did not appear close to a deal, and said any progress made so far Monday was minimal.

It is unclear when LIRR service would resume, but it would take a significant amount of time for employees to return to work and complete the procedures required to get trains out of yards and back in service, MTA officials have 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.