A threatened strike on the Long Island Rail Road has been averted after union leaders asked President Donald Trump to convene a presidential emergency board. On Monday, September 15th, five unions representing about 3,000 workers said they had requested federal intervention, postponing a walkout that could have started this week. The White House order establishing the board takes effect September 18th and triggers a 120-day cooling-off period, delaying any strike until at least mid-January 2026.
The Long Island Rail Road, the nation’s busiest commuter railroad, carries nearly 300,000 passengers daily. A strike would have disrupted commutes to workplaces, schools, and airports, while complicating travel during the Ryder Cup on Long Island later this month. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority prepared limited shuttle buses but acknowledged that service gaps were likely.
Union officials said their action was meant to protect both workers and the public, noting that while a strike could still happen, it would not occur immediately, according to Gil Lang, general chairman of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen. Jim Sokolowski of the Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen said the unions had accepted three years of 3 percent, 3 percent, and 3.5 percent raises but were also demanding an additional 6.5 percent in a fourth year. He argued the MTA could afford the increase.
MTA officials criticized the unions for delaying negotiations. “After months of radio silence, these outlier unions have finally admitted that they weren’t serious about negotiating,” said spokesperson John McCarthy. He urged them to return to talks or accept arbitration and noted that LIRR engineers already earn an average of $160,000 annually, including overtime. Officials also argued that outdated work rules drive up costs.
Governor Kathy Hochul called on both sides to negotiate directly, warning the White House should use its authority to prevent a strike. The board’s decision keeps rail service running during the Ryder Cup but could spark conflict when its mandate ends next spring.
