Gillibrand Statement On Long Island Rail Road Strike

Gillibrand Statement On Long Island Rail Road Strike

May 17, 2026

Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, ranking member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, released the following statement regarding the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) strike that began Saturday morning after stalled contract negotiations between the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) and five unions:

"With over 300,000 New Yorkers relying on the LIRR every day, the strike underscores just how critical this service is to our city and state. To get our trains running, we must treat the workers with the dignity and respect they have earned. LIRR workers haven't seen a pay increase since 2022. While the cost of living in New York continues to climb, these workers have shown up every single day to keep commuters and families moving. I am urging both sides to come to a fair deal and resume train service."

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