Shown in photo at the rally holding sign is Brogan Aarne, with his family. His father is an LIRR employee. Photo: Carolyn James
More than a 1,000 Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) employees, union leaders, supporters and public officials gathered at the Massapequa Railroad station on Saturday, May 9 demanding that the Metropolitan Transportation Authority offers them a fair contract.
Meanwhile an impending Long Island Rail Road strike could halt service for nearly 300,000 daily commuters as union leaders and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority continue contract negotiations as early as this weekend.
Workers are seeking higher wage increases, while the MTA warns a shutdown would disrupt and damage Long Island’s economy if no agreement is reached.
In the event of a Long Island Rail Road strike, commuters would likely need to rely on alternate transportation, including expanded bus service, ferries, carpools and remote work arrangements.
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority has said it would increase express bus routes from Long Island into New York City, though officials warn buses could carry only a fraction of regular LIRR riders.
Roads and bridges would likely face severe congestion, especially during peak commuting hours. Employers may also encourage hybrid or remote schedules to ease disruptions.
Source: Massapequa Post
