Train service at all Long Island Rail Road stations is suspended as workers walk off the job early Saturday morning, shutting down the system on the first morning of a strike. News 12 is following all developments closely.
1:53 p.m. - MTA president says LIRR workers are among 'highest paid railroad workers in the country'
MTA President Janno Lieber says the agency will not agree to any deal that shifts the cost of wage increases onto riders or taxpayers.
During a press conference outside Penn Station early Saturday morning, Lieber calls LIRR workers "the highest paid railroad workers in the country."
He continues to say that the average wage of an LIRR employee is about $136,000.
"It is shocking that they are representing that they are underpaid, given their history of gobbling up overtime," said Lieber.
10:50 a.m. - For fans headed to Citi Field for the Subway Series Saturday evening, there are travel alternatives.
The Citi Field Direct Shuttle offers affordable bus service from parking areas around the region, including Westchester, The Bronx and New Jersey. Additional shuttles were added due to the strike. The pick-up locations include:
Roosevelt Field
Walt Whitman Shops
The Mall at Bay Plaza
Manhasset LIRR Station serving the Port Washington Line
Paramus Park
Newport Centre Mall
Otherwise, fans are encouraged to ride-share and to take advantage of pick-up and drop-off points. These locations include:
Far Rockaway-Mott Avenue
Kew Gardens-Union Turnpike
Ozone Park-Lefferts Boulevard
Sheepshead Bay
Woodhaven Boulevard
8:12 a.m. - Picketing workers gathered outside the Ronkonkoma station, calling for increased wages. About 3,500 employees have joined the strike, leaving the railroad completely shut down.
The disruption is impacting more than 200,000 Long Islanders who rely on the trains for daily transportation.
According to the union, no negotiations are currently planned between the Metropolitan Transportation Authority and labor leaders, leaving the timeline for restoring service uncertain.
5:15 a.m. - It is advised to check current station alerts on the Long Island Rail Road website.
Gov. Kathy Hochul released a statement following the LIRR strike.
Nassau County Exec. Blakeman also released a statement.
MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber also released a statement.
News 12 will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.
