By Miguel Mike Medina
Photo Credit: The New York Times
The Long Island Railroad shut down on Saturday morning. It’s the first workers’ strike for LIRT in 32 years.
A large group of workers in Midtown Manhattan protested after the union failed to reach a new contract. The workers are disappointed, and they’re making their voices heard through this strike. The last strike occurred in 1994, but it lasted two days. There’s a possibility that this strike could last longer. The strike could force more than 250,000 people who ride the system each weekday to find an alternative route into New York City. It might encourage more people to work from home, especially those living in the suburbs.
Carl Bischoff, locomotive engineer, shares his thoughts about the strike.
“We tried to do the right thing, tried to do the right thing by the public and our membership,” Bischoff said. “A strike is not what we wanted. This is our result. We’re not looking to hurt the public; the public is our friends, our family, our neighbors. Unfortunately, this is what the MTA comes down to to get their attention serious. This is what we need to do.”
Five unions represent 3,500 workers. There is no deal on the terms of the 4th year of the 4-year contract. The strike also affects Met fans who depend on the station to reach Citi Field. Several fans had to give up their tickets due to the strike’s impact.
LIRR is one of the busiest stations in the city. Riders are bracing themselves for a long Monday morning. It’s going to be chaotic, but there will be free shuttle bus services. People will find other ways to get around. The weather is going to feel like summer starting from Sunday through Wednesday.
Miguel Mike Medina is the publisher of The MMM Journal. He can be reached at medinamiguelmike@gmail.com and themmmjournal@gmail.com
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