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President Donald Trump has taken action to prevent a potential strike by Long Island Rail Road workers by establishing a Presidential Emergency Board. The board will investigate the ongoing contract dispute between the LIRR and its unions, delaying any possible strike until at least January, and possibly until May. This move comes after union leaders rejected a three-year contract offer from the MTA and authorized a strike that could have affected 250,000 daily riders.
The unions, representing about half of all LIRR employees, are demanding a 16% raise over four years, while the MTA has offered a 9.5% raise over three years. The unions have agreed to the 9.5% increase only if a fourth year is added to the deal, bringing the total raise to 16%. According to ABC7, the unions requested Trump's intervention to avoid a strike and allow both sides to present their proposals to the board.
The emergency board, composed of three members appointed by Trump, will have 30 days to review the contract proposals and issue recommendations. During this period, neither the MTA nor the unions can change wages, hours, or working conditions, and workers cannot legally strike. The last LIRR strike in 1994 lasted two days but caused significant disruption.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul has expressed concern over the potential strike, stating that it would harm both riders and LIRR employees. She urged both parties to negotiate and reach an agreement. The emergency board's involvement provides a temporary reprieve, allowing more time for a resolution to be reached.
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