Updated May 16, 2026 / 10:18 AM EDT
Tens of thousands of commuters in southeastern New York faced major disruptions after Long Island Rail Road service shut down just after midnight Saturday when workers began a strike — the railroad’s first walkout since 1994. The work stoppage followed failed talks between the Metropolitan Transportation Authority and five unions representing about 3,500 LIRR employees over a proposed four-year contract.
The two sides had reached agreement on the first three years of the contract but remained deadlocked over terms for the fourth year. Union leaders sought a 5% wage increase, while the MTA said it offered a 3% raise, with options that could bring the total to 4.5% if certain work-rule concessions were accepted. The MTA argued the higher pay demand would force fare hikes systemwide, affecting subways, buses and Metro-North.
Picketers were seen outside Penn Station and Ronkonkoma on Saturday morning. The LIRR is the busiest commuter railroad in North America, carrying roughly 250,000 passengers each weekday.
Political and labor statements
Gov. Kathy Hochul blamed federal actions that she said cut mediation short and pushed negotiations toward a strike. She said the MTA had made multiple fair offers and urged both sides to return to bargaining, calling on union leaders to engage in good faith so a deal can be reached. “Commuters are dealing with unnecessary dysfunction and thousands of union LIRR workers are being forced to go without a paycheck because of decisions made by a small group of union leaders,” she said.
MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber said everyone loses in a strike — the agency, the workers and the riders — and defended the authority’s bargaining position. Lieber said the MTA could not responsibly accept a deal that would destabilize its budget, lead to fare increases, or shift large costs to taxpayers. He also criticized certain union work rules that, he said, allow accumulation of overtime and have not been addressed at the bargaining table.
Union leaders rejected blame for provoking the walkout. Kevin J. Sexton, vice president of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen, said the strike was management-provoked, alleging the MTA introduced health care contributions late in the process and refused to engage on key issues. Sexton said the unions had been willing to negotiate on fourth-year wage terms but remained far apart from the MTA’s position.
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, who is running for governor, sharply criticized Hochul and held her responsible for the disruption, saying commuters, small businesses and essential workers were left to suffer.
Service alternatives and refunds
The LIRR said prorated refunds will be issued to May monthly-ticket holders for days affected by the strike; details on how to apply for refunds will be posted on the agency’s website. The MTA deployed shuttle buses from several Long Island locations to nearby subway stations:
– Buses from Bay Shore, Lakeview (near Hempstead Lake State Park), Hicksville and Mineola to the Howard Beach–JFK A train station.
– Buses from Huntington and Ronkonkoma to the Jamaica–179th Street F train station.
Riders were also encouraged to use NICE Bus service to reach Flushing, Main Street and the Jamaica Bus Terminal, and to work from home if possible. The LIRR warned that there is no true substitute for the railroad and that the shutdown would cause severe congestion and delays.
Impact on commuters
Experts and riders predicted heavier car traffic and significant headaches for those who cannot work remotely. Jason Russell, a professor at SUNY Empire, noted that remote work applies to about 40% of workers, so many commuters are expected to drive, increasing gridlock. Commuters quoted at stations said they were confused about alternatives and hoped transit apps and information would be updated to help them navigate alternative routes.
Reporting contributions
Kristie Keleshian and John Dias contributed to this report.