LIRR Strike Halts Train Service, Affecting Commuters Across Long Island
The Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) has suspended train service systemwide as workers initiated a strike early Saturday morning. The strike, involving about 3,500 union workers, has halted operations for the first time since 1994, affecting over 200,000 daily commuters. The dispute centers on wage increases, with unions demanding a 5% raise due to inflation and cost of living, while the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) offers 3% plus a one-time cash payment. The National Mediation Board has summoned both parties to resume negotiations, but no agreement has been reached yet.