LIRR & MTA Negotiate Over Planned Strike
Long Island Rail Road union workers and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority held a meeting today, over a possible July train strike.
As reported by WCBS 880, MTA and train employees will be offered a contract agreement by the Presidential Emergency Board, to prevent the strike. If the parties don't reach an agreement, the strike deadline is predicted for mid-July.
The approximated 6,000 member union is demanding a 17% pay increase over the next six years. The MTA has claimed that it won't occur without benefit returns.
Commuters are not looking forward to the halt in their summer commute. One passenger stated, "I guess I'd have to start driving to school and spend a lot more money on gas". While another traveler commented, "I hope that we can avert a strike...I hope they come to the table with open minds and if they do, then they'll get something done".