LIRR Bargaining Coalition Requests Presidential Emergency Board Amid Ongoing Dispute

The LIRRBC has been preparing every scenario in the ongoing dispute with LIRR to protect our members and the public we serve. Together, we made it clear today that we are ready to act when required.

You have heard Governor Hochul, MTA Chair Lieber, and LIRR President Free making misleading and inflammatory statements which are not helpful in negotiations, rather, through the press, attempting to portray half of its union workforce as the problem. Blaming the hard-working LIRR workforce, the White House, and local government officials does nothing to resolve this dispute. LIRR created this mess by ignoring its workforce, and it is time they started negotiating in good faith to solve the problem and offer a fair contract.

The facts of the dispute are very simple. Congestion pricing has placed funds in LIRR coffers as well as increased ridership to post-pandemic records, and nearly pre-pandemic levels. Additionally, its workforce is responsible for all time highs in on-time performance. It is also important to note that contrary to LIRR’s false narrative, the LIRRBC is willing to accept the terms and general wage increases of the contract reached by the other Unions on the property but are proposing a 4th year that will make up for the difference in the cost of living where our members live. It is not greedy to expect a wage increase that keeps up with inflation and we call on LIRR to do the right thing and provide a fair contract.    

At today’s press conference, the LIRRBC announced that each Union’s strike ballot was overwhelmingly in favor of using a legal strike to settle the dispute. However, considering Governor Hochul’s reckless behavior, the LIRRBC unilaterally decided to restrict her reckless intent to use hard-working unionized workers to punish the public. Consequently, the LIRRBC requested a Presidential Emergency Board (PEB) under the Railway Labor Act (RLA). The RLA requires both sides to exhaust every stage of negotiation and mediation before the last resort of using self-help, which, for us, is a strike. The PEB is the final step in that process, wherein a neutral federal board will be appointed by the President to investigate the dispute and issue recommendations.

By requesting a PEB, we are following the RLA, as written. It is a structured path designed to avoid sudden disruptions in essential transportation while still protecting workers’ rights to pursue fair contracts. This decision reflects the LIRRBC’s respect for the public who rely on safe and reliable rail service and our commitment to give every opportunity for LIRR to provide a fair resolution at the bargaining table.

In closing, our fight for a fair contract will continue, our resolve will remain strong, and we will continue to use all available means to achieve a fair contract.