As the threat of the LIRR strike looms heavy over Long Islanders’ heads, the mass disruption it would cause in daily commutes threatens to spill over to City dwellers as well. Over 300,000 Long Islanders will be displaced and while the MTA is offering contingency plans to shuttle commuters to 3 subway stops in Queens, burough residents are quick to note that their rush hour commutes are already crowded enough.
Amidst the growing panic of commuters worrying what they’ll do come 12:01 AM July 20th, the MTA and LIRR Unions seemingly have no plans to settle on terms to avoid a strike. While the MTA has offered generous terms to the already highest paid railroad workers with the best pensions in the industry, LIRR Unions refuse to accept. In an open letter, the MTA has detailed their offers of a 17% wage increase with no changes in workplace rules or pension contributions and ask for current employees to put 2% towards their healthcare. The Unions say that while the terms for current employees may be good, the changes made to future employees are far too drastic. Future LIRR employees would have to contribute 4% to their pensions, pay towards their pensions throughout their careers (compared to only the first 10 years current employees agree to), and wait 10 years until they reach their top pay.
Clearly, its time for New Yorkers to start thinking of a Plan B as the threat of the strike seems imminent. Unions are even warning workers that the strike could last as long as a month.
–Zach Cole & Joe Cingrana/WCBS-FM
Below, check out further information and find out your options should the strike happen:
Cuomo: Strike Averted As Tentative Agreement Reached Between MTA, LIRR Unions
Gov. Andrew Cuomo says a tentative deal has been reached between the MTA and the Long Island Rail Road unions, averting a strike that could have come this weekend.
1010 WINS: Sources Say Talks To Resume Between MTA, LIRR Unions
Talks between the MTA and LIRR unions broke down earlier this week.
No New Negotiations Set Between MTA, LIRR Unions As Workers Prepare For Strike
There are no plans to restart talks between the MTA and workers’ unions after negotiations broke down on Monday with both sides walking away from the table.
Businesses Say Preparing For LIRR Strike Is Like Bracing For Storm
With the threat of a Long Island Rail Road strike growing direr by the day, businesses have been forced to firm up alternate plans right along with commuters.
Mayor De Blasio Keeps Vacation Plans As Possible LIRR Strike Looms
Mayor Bill de Blasio has no plans to postpone or cancel his 10-day family vacation to Italy in spite of a possible Long Island Rail Road strike next week.
CBS New York’s Guide To Surviving The LIRR Strike
The Long Island Rail Road is considered one of the busiest railroads in the United States, providing roughly 300,000 daily rides. So it’s no surprise that hundreds of thousands of Long Islanders are sitting on […]
Despite Contingency Plan Riders Fear Messy Commute If Strike Halts LIRR Service
There are eight days and counting until a possible Long Island Railroad strike that could severely disrupt the commutes for more than 300,000 riders.
MTA Chief Announces Contingency Plan In Case Of LIRR Strike
With just nine days left before a potential Long Island Rail Road strike, the MTA has made its contingency plan public.
What’s Your Backup Plan In Case LIRR Goes On Strike?
What is your plan B if the LIRR Strikes? Let us know how you plan to navigate.
What are your plans if the strike goes into effect? Let us know in the comments below!
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