MTA Chairman and CEO Janno Lieber said the sides are making progress, but also said LIRR workers would be 'crazy' to walk off the job.
Long Island Railroad workers could go on strike in eight days if they don't reach a new contract with their employer. MTA Chairman and CEO Janno Lieber said the sides are making progress, but also said workers would be "crazy" to walk off the job.
"We're getting close enough that it would be, I think, crazy for the workforce, who is looking for more money, to throw it away by going on a strike," he said. "It's frustrating. We feel there is an extreme lack of urgency on behalf of the MTA and the LIRR," said Shaun O'Connor, Chairman of the International Association of Machinists.
Union representatives and the MTA have yet to come to an agreement over LIRR worker's wages, and a strike is looming.
"It's time for everybody to get serious about the fact that if you go on strike for one day, you are literally flushing money down the toilet for your workers," Lieber said. "If there is a work stoppage, there is going to be a complete and total shutdown of operations," O'Connor said. If the railroad comes to a screeching halt, the MTA will put a contingency plan in place that includes shuttle busses.
"It was going to be three hours from Suffolk to downtown Manhattan, so that's a no no," said Massapequa resident, Joe Caldarera. "So, hopefully the railroad does not strike, and we can keep getting into the city quickly and efficiently.
"I am always in support of workers receiving the benefits and money they deserve, but it would really affect commuters like me, I commute into Manhattan three days a week so I rely on the railroad so much to get back and forth and I think the railroad is amazing," said Dix Hills resident, Melanie Cassino. The sticking point in these negotiations is over a 5% raise that workers want beginning this year.
The unions and the LIRR have agreed to a 9.5% retroactive wage increase for the last three years.
"This is about keeping up with the cost of living. New York has a high cost of living," said Kevin Sexton, vice president of Brother of Local Engineers in TrainingHave a breaking news tip or an idea for a story we should cover? Send it to Eyewitness News using the form below. If attaching a video or photo,Woodland Park crossing guard, 80, struck and killed while helping kids cross the street
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