The potential Long Island Rail Road strike faces a key vote Monday, as the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen decides whether it will join the work stoppage.
The BLET, the country's largest rail union, is calling for a 16% wage increase over the next three years, but the Metropolitan Transportation Authority's current offer is 9.5%.
Three of the five unions that represent more than 3,000 LIRR workers have already voted to walk off the job at 12:01 p.m. Thursday, if there's no deal. The looming strike could impact nearly 300,000 commuters.
"There is a fair offer on the table, and I have directed the MTA to be ready to negotiate anytime, anywhere. Unfortunately, five unions have refused to come to the table in good faith and rejected binding arbitration, putting riders at risk of an unnecessary strike," Gov. Kathy Hochul said in a statement Monday. "Both sides must return to negotiations and keep working around the clock until this is resolved."
The results of the latest vote are expected to be announced during a news conference at noon in Midtown.
Source: cbsnews.com
