Overview

• Up to five LIRR unions representing roughly half the workforce say they could strike as soon as Sept. 18, a move that would halt all service for about 300,000 daily riders.
• Union leaders are seeking about a 16% raise after years without increases, while management has offered roughly 9.8% over three years, a deal already accepted by the larger SMART union at a slightly lower rate.
• Federal mediation ended last month, triggering a cooling‑off period that expires Sept. 18; Hochul has so far declined to request a presidential emergency board and has criticized the National Mediation Board’s handling.
• Even a partial walkout would stop the railroad because engineers, signalmen and other essential staff are involved, leaving Long Island commuters with few viable alternatives into New York City.
• MTA officials warn meeting union demands would likely require fare hikes beyond scheduled increases, and they have discussed limited shuttle buses and potential prorated refunds if a strike occurs, while opinion pieces urge testing New York’s anti‑strike Taylor Law in court.