Here we go again?
Not even four months after the (very short) New Jersey Transit strike, a Long Island Railroad strike is looming, leaving commuters wondering how they will potentially get to and from the city without train access.
So, what exactly is going on, and how will it affect those who reside in Nassau and Suffolk counties? Here’s what we know.
Inside the (potential) Long Island Railroad strike of 2025
Five different unions are negotiating contracts and pay with the MTA, requesting an additional 6.5% increase on top of the suggested 9.5%.
Since an agreement between all parties did not happen in August, there is currently a 30-day cooling off period in place between the MTA and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, the Transportation Communications Union, the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, and the Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen.
New York lawmakers believe the federal government ended mediation between unions and the MTA too soon.
Per an MTA press release, shuttle service will be provided at specific stations should the strike happen:
Buses will run every 10 minutes during peak hours, Manhattan-bound from 4:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. and to Long Island from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. from three LIRR stations to subway transfer points in Queens.
- Bellmore Station (LIRR) to Howard Beach-JFK Airport (A)
- Hicksville Station (LIRR) to Mets-Willets Pt (7)
- Ronkonkoma Station (LIRR) to Mets-Willets Pt (7)
Union workers vote to strike
As of Monday, September 15th, the unions voted to strike — however, not until 2026, providing time for federal mediation to take place.
Originally, the strike was set to potentially begin on September 18th, potentially making the fall season feel like a commute from hell.
This summer, the LIRR broke a record by transporting 300,000 straphangers in a single day, and reaching its busiest seven-day stretch since the pandemic started, per Railway Supply. Regardless of whether the strike happens this fall or next year, it will cause a massive disruption.
This is a developing story. Please stay tuned for updates.