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Long Island Rail Road Service Suspended as Workers Strike

For the first time in over 30 years, thousands of workers walked off the job, halting service on the Long Island Rail Road, the country’s busiest passenger rail service.

“What do we want?” “Contracts!” “I feel terrible. Terrible. This is going to hurt. This is going to hurt the island. This is going to hurt the city. They think they can push us around. And we’re supposed to just fall in line. Alls we’re asking for is fair wages. Record inflation in the last few years. Our contract goes back three years. It’s not going forward. So, we went through those record inflationary years and they’re trying to lowball us.” “Their strategy is to inconvenience Long Islanders to try to force the M.T.A. and the state to do a bad deal.” “What do we want?” “Contracts!” “When do we want it?” “Now!”

For the first time in over 30 years, thousands of workers walked off the job, halting service on the Long Island Rail Road, the country’s busiest passenger rail service.

By Cynthia Silva

May 16, 2026