New York’s Long Island Rail Road strike halts busiest US commuter line
The Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) has been halted by a strike involving about 3,500 workers, marking the first such work stoppage in 32 years. The strike, launched over a wage dispute, disrupts service for nearly 300,000 daily commuters ahead of the Memorial Day weekend. Both the MTA and union leaders blame each other for the impasse, while officials urge a swift resolution.
- ▪The Long Island Rail Road strike began on May 16, 2026, after workers failed to reach a wage agreement with the MTA.
- ▪Five unions, including the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, are involved in the strike, citing three years without raises.
- ▪The MTA claims it made fair offers with meaningful wage increases, while union leaders say the MTA rejected government-recommended terms.
- ▪New York Governor Kathy Hochul urged both sides to return to negotiations, emphasizing the strike's impact on hundreds of thousands.
- ▪President Donald Trump previously signed an executive order to appoint an emergency board to mediate the dispute.
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New York’s Long Island Rail Road strike halts busiest US commuter lineSign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inboxNew York's Long Island Rail Road serves nearly 300,000 passengers daily.PHOTO: REUTERSPublished May 16, 2026, 03:34 PMUpdated May 16, 2026, 03:34 PMNEW YORK - About 3,500 workers at New York’s Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) on May 16 went on strike for the first time in 32 years after failing to reach a wage agreement, halting the busiest commuter rail system in the United States, according to a union statement.New York’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) confirmed the suspension of the service on its website.The LIRR serves nearly 300,000 passengers daily and the strike comes ahead of the long Memorial Day weekend.The International Brotherhood of…
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