Thu Sep 11 19:10:00 UTC 2025: **News Article:**

**LIRR Strike Looms: Hochul Blames Trump Administration as Union Seeks 16% Raise**

**NEW YORK (WABC) -** The possibility of a Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) strike is looming large, with five unions threatening a walkout as early as Thursday, September 18th. New York Governor Kathy Hochul placed blame for the potential disruption squarely on the shoulders of the Trump administration.

“The president did something rather extraordinary and almost unprecedented, which was to say, ‘OK, do what you want now, go ahead and strike,'” Hochul stated, referencing actions taken during Trump’s presidency that she believes emboldened the unions. “He owns it, as do the Republicans here on Long Island.”

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) estimates that roughly 3,400 union members, nearly half its workforce, could participate in the strike. The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen, the union representing the majority of the workers, is currently holding a strike authorization vote. The union is seeking a 16% raise over a three-year period, a significant increase compared to the 9.5% offered by the MTA. Results of the vote are expected to be announced on Monday.

MTA CEO Janno Lieber emphasized the impact on commuters, stating, “We have to stick up for the riders and riders are a little frustrated seeing all this overtime and triple wages.”

Hochul is urging both sides to resume negotiations to avert the strike. The MTA is scheduled to detail its contingency plans on Thursday, outlining potential shuttle bus services to subway lines in Queens in the event of a walkout.

The last near-strike on the LIRR occurred in 2014, narrowly avoided by a last-minute agreement brokered by then-Governor Andrew Cuomo. However, that deal left in place costly work rules that are now expiring. The unions argue that the current offers from the MTA are not competitive with compensation packages received by their counterparts in other major cities, such as Philadelphia.

Stay tuned to Eyewitness News for further updates on this developing story. Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts.

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