Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) Workers could go on Strike as early as May 16th if they cannot reach a deal. During a press conference held last week - Kevin Sexton, who serves as the National Vice President of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET), said Workers would walk off the job on May 16th if they don’t reach a new contract with the Transit Agency. Sexton said a Strike would halt service on the country’s busiest commuter railroad, which “would be a disaster for Long Island.” “No one wants a Strike,” he said. “Our friends, our families, our neighbors, our communities rely on this system.” Workers want a retroactive 9.5% wage increase that covers the past three years. They also want an additional 5% raise - starting this year. LIRR Workers last went on Strike in 1994. The Federal Government can prevent a work stoppage, but Congress did not intervene last year when New Jersey Transit Workers went on Strike. Meanwhile, contract talks with Transport Workers Union (TWU) Local 100, which represents Subway and Bus Operators, are getting underway. Negotiations officially began late last week with an exchange of demands at the Union's Brooklyn headquarters. Union Leaders say rising costs and workplace conditions will be the center of discussions.

For More On This Labor News Story, Go To: LIRR workers, TWU 100 could go on strike next month if they cannot reach a deal - ABC7 New York

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LIRR workers warn of 'disaster for Long Island' as they prepare to strike in May - Gothamist