In the US, workers of the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) in New York have gone on strike, union officials announced early Saturday morning, paralyzing the busiest commuter rail system in North America, UNN reports, citing AP.
Details
Unions representing about half of the system's workforce announced the strike after negotiations with the New York State Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) ended Friday without a new contract. Five unions representing about half of the system's 7,000 workers, including locomotive engineers, mechanics, and signalmen, were legally barred from striking until 12:01 a.m. local time Saturday.
As Reuters notes, about 3,500 workers of the New York rail company LIRR went on strike Saturday for the first time in 32 years, according to a union statement.
Kevin Sexton, vice president of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen, stated that no new negotiations have been scheduled yet.
"At this point, we are very far apart," Sexton said. "We sincerely regret that we find ourselves in this situation."
MTA Chairman Janno Lieber stated that the agency "gave the union everything they wanted regarding wages" and that it was obvious to him that the unions always intended to strike.
The strike will force approximately 250,000 people who use the public transit system daily to find alternative routes to New York City from the Long Island suburbs or work from home. This means more cars on congested highways and longer commutes.
"It's going to be a real nightmare trying to get into the city," said Rob Udle, an electrician.
The strike could create difficulties for some sports fans wishing to get to Manhattan to watch the New York Knicks NBA playoffs or see the baseball game between the New York Yankees and the Mets this weekend.
Governor Kathy Hochul urged LIRR passengers to work from home during the strike, as the MTA plans to provide free but limited-capacity shuttle buses during weekday rush hours intended for essential workers.
In her statement, she blamed the strike on union leadership.
"Passengers are facing unnecessary problems, and thousands of LIRR union members are forced to go without pay because of decisions made by a small group of union leaders," Hochul said. "I stand with LIRR passengers and will fight to maintain the long-term stability of the MTA."
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