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May 16, 2026 / 12:09 AM EDT
/ CBS New York
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Tens of thousands of commuters in southeastern New York will be impacted as the Long Island Rail Road shuts down due to a strike over contract negotiations.The strike stems from an inability to reach a deal on a new four-year contract. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority and unions agreed to the terms of the first three years, but disputes arose about the final year. The union was looking for a 5% pay increase. The MTA said they were offering a 3% raise with options that could bring it up to 4.5%, provided some work rules concessions are made. MTA officials previously said the 5% hike will mean higher fares systemwide, including the subways, buses and Metro-North. The LIRR is the busiest commuter railroad in North America, carrying about 250,000 passengers each weekday, according to its website. Will ticketholders be refunded?The LIRR website stated that there will be prorated refunds issued to May monthly ticket holders for the days the strike is impacting the train. Details on how to apply for a refund will be released, the website said.
