On Saturday, May 17, 2026, Long Island Rail Road workers walked off the job for the first time in roughly 30 years. About 3,500 workers — represented by a coalition of five unions — went on strike after contract talks with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) collapsed Friday night over wages.

The gap between the two sides was less than one percentage point when negotiations broke down. Workers say they haven't received raises in years, even as the cost of living across Long Island and New York City has continued to climb.

"After years without raises and with the cost of living continuing to climb across Long Island and the New York City area, workers deserve a fair contract that recognizes their contributions and sacrifices," said IAM Union International President Brian Bryant. "This strike was completely avoidable."

The LIRR is the busiest commuter rail system in the country. Hundreds of thousands of riders depend on it every day to get to work, school, and essential appointments. That disruption won't end until the MTA agrees to pay its workers fairly. Notably, two presidential emergency boards have already recommended stronger wage increases for these workers — backing the unions' position that a fair raise is both reasonable and long overdue.

We are calling on MTA CEO Janno Lieber and Governor Kathy Hochul to return to the bargaining table and settle a fair contract — one that keeps pace with the rising cost of living and honors the people who keep one of America's most essential transit systems running every day.

Sign to tell the MTA: settle a fair deal now.

Photo: Jeremy Weine / Getty Images