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Unions’ hidden LIRR-strike scheme aims to pick everyone’s pockets

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The Long Island Rail Road strike that began early Saturday continues upending commutes from Manhattan to Suffolk County. 

Unbeknownst to most riders, they’re collateral damage in a much bigger but less visible fight that could slam the entire MTA region with both higher fares and heavier taxes. 

Negotiations over the LIRR’s union contracts, which came up for renewal in 2023, have been dragging on for three years. 

The slow pace of the talks means they now must cover a fourth year, potentially affecting the MTA’s other union contracts as those talks open up. 

On top of offering raises, LIRR management has pressed unsuccessfully to reform the railroad’s rigid and inefficient work rules. 

These ancient contract provisions are why LIRR still must print paper paychecks in the year 2026 — and a major reason why more than 300 agency workers got six-figure overtime payments last year, on top of their base pay. 

LIRR strike forces NYC workers into ‘nightmare’ travel that adds hours to commute

Top 5 LIRR earners make over $200K in overtime — with highest paid foreman raking in nearly $400K

Report warns that LIRR union strike is costing the regional economy tens of millions a day

New York’s Taylor Law, which governs most public-sector employees, forbids them from legally calling a strike. 

But owing to the LIRR’s historical quirks (it........

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