Overview
- Union members walked off the Long Island Rail Road on Friday, May 16, stopping service for about 270,000 daily riders and forcing the MTA to run limited shuttle buses.
- Negotiators announced a tentative agreement three days later that grants a 4.5% raise in the disputed fourth year and adds a six-week extension to the contract, subject to union ratification and MTA Board approval.
- State officials estimated the three-day stoppage cost the region roughly $61 million per day and about $183 million in total economic activity, while many commuters faced longer commutes and lost work time.
- Federal mediators helped broker the deal and unions agreed to concessions intended to reduce long-term cost pressure, including up to 16 hours of annual computer-based training that replaces some paid classroom time.
- Labor Department LM-2 filings reviewed by reporters show the five unions spent more than $3.2 million in 2025 on hotels and events, a disclosure that has amplified political scrutiny as the MTA prepares for separate, legally different talks with TWU Local 100.