Overview

• Federal mediation has ended and the 30‑day cooling‑off period expires Sept. 18, allowing a strike to begin that day if no deal is reached.
• Three of five unions have authorized a walkout, with additional strike votes underway through the weekend and results expected by Monday.
• Even a partial walkout would halt all Long Island Rail Road service because the affected groups include engineers, signalmen and other essential staff.
• The MTA outlined limited weekday shuttle buses from Bellmore to the A at Howard Beach and from Hicksville and Ronkonkoma to the 7 at Mets–Willets Point, and it is considering prorated refunds for monthly riders.
• Gov. Kathy Hochul has not requested a Presidential Emergency Board, while opinion pieces and rider advocates promote state arbitration or Taylor Law enforcement as alternatives, with concern mounting over Ryder Cup travel plans.