Negotiators reached a tentative agreement Monday to end the three-day strike that halted service on the Long Island Rail Road, North America’s busiest commuter rail system. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul confirmed the deal at a news conference Monday evening, saying it would not increase fares or taxes and would give employees fair wages. She declined to disclose specific terms while union members consider and vote on the contract.
The strike began at 12:01 a.m. Saturday after the Metropolitan Transportation Authority and leaders of five labor unions failed to reach a new contract. The walkout stalled service for roughly 250,000 daily commuters who ride the rail system connecting New York City to its eastern suburbs in Nassau and Suffolk counties.
“Negotiations are rarely easy, but I have a lot of respect for the collective bargaining process that unfolded over the last few days,” Hochul said.
Union members are expected to vote on the proposed contract in the coming days. Service is expected to resume once the deal is ratified, though the governor did not give a specific restart timeline.