The Long Island Rail Road strike is officially over after New York officials and union leaders reached a labor agreement late Monday, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced.
LIRR Service Returning Tuesday
Hochul said phased train service will begin resuming at noon Tuesday, with full service expected by the afternoon commute. The governor added that operations should be fully restored in time for Tuesday night’s New York Knicks game.
“The strike is ending at midnight tonight,” MTA CEO Janno Lieber said during a press conference alongside Hochul and LIRR President Rob Free.
Commuters are encouraged to check the LIRR app and website for updated train schedules as service ramps up. Morning commuters will still rely on buses and shuttle services before trains fully return.
Deal Reached After Intense Negotiations
The strike began Saturday after the Metropolitan Transportation Authority and five unions representing LIRR workers failed to agree on a new contract. It marked the railroad’s first strike in 32 years.
The unions had pushed for 14.5% wage increases over four years, while the MTA proposed slightly lower raises combined with a lump-sum payment.
Hochul said the agreement provides raises for workers while protecting taxpayers and riders. She declined to release additional contract details until union members ratify the deal.
The governor also emphasized that train fares will not increase to fund the agreement.
Hundreds of Thousands Impacted
The Long Island Rail Road serves more than 300,000 daily riders, and the strike caused major commuter disruptions across the New York region.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani praised both sides for reaching a deal and said city agencies would continue monitoring traffic and commuter conditions as service resumes.
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