LIRR Strike Looms as Workers Vote, Nearly 300,000 Commuters at Risk

What is happening

• Several unions representing Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) workers are threatening to strike starting Thursday, September 18, 2025, if no agreement is reached with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA).
• The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET), the largest union involved, is holding a vote today to decide whether to join the work stoppage.

Why workers are striking

• The key issue is wages. The unions are asking for a 16% raise over three years.
• The MTA has offered 9.5% over the same period. Some workers have accepted this, but others say it is not enough, especially without changes in work rules.

Who will be affected and how badly

• If the strike happens, nearly 300,000 daily commuters could be impacted. That is the number of people relying on LIRR to travel to work or school.
• Service would shut down completely on LIRR lines during the strike.

What has the MTA planned for alternative travel

• The MTA will offer shuttle buses during weekday peak hours (morning and evening) for essential workers. Stops will connect certain LIRR stations to subway lines in Queens.
• Commuters are urged to work from home if possible.
• Monthly ticket holders on LIRR may get pro-rated refunds for service days lost if the strike happens, pending board approval.

What’s next

• The vote by BLET (and possibly other unions) is a key milestone. If they vote yes, the strike becomes far more likely.
• Negotiations continue. There is still a chance of agreement that prevents the strike.
• An emergency intervention by federal authorities (a Presidential Emergency Board) is possible but has not been formally requested. That could delay or help resolve the dispute.

What this means for people

• If you use LIRR for commuting, plan for disruption starting September 18. Have backup travel routes in mind.
• If your work allows remote work, try to push for working from home during this period.
• If you buy monthly tickets, keep an eye out for announcements about refunds.