By Philip Newman
MTA President Thomas Prendergast went to the nation’s capital to find out if Congress might intervene in the event of a Long Island Rail Road strike, and quickly found the answer was in the negative.
U.S. Rep. Charles Rangel (D-Manhattan) told Prendergast “at this time Congress is not an option.”
Rep. Peter King (R-Massapequa Park) warned the Metropolitan Transportation Authority that “it would be a mistake to count on Congress.”
Numerous other lawmakers urged Prendergast to go back to the bargaining table, with U.S. Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-Astoria) suggesting “both the MTA and the LIRR workers must work around the clock to secure an agreement that will avoid a strike,” which could begin July 20.
Among lawmakers at the hour-long meeting were U.S. Reps. Grace Meng (D-Flushing) and Gregory Meeks (D-Jamaica).
Gov. Andrew Cuomo thanked Prendergast and members of the New York Congressional delegation.
“With this obstacle removed, it is now clear that the only path to resolution is at the bargaining table between the MTA and the unions and should proceed in good faith,” he said.
Prendergast has complained that while the MTA has “offered the unions everything they asked for,” the unions have not moved.
In its latest wage proposal, the MTA offered the workers from eight unions a 17 percent wage increase over seven years with the stipulation that new employers make higher contributions for medical insurance and pensions.
The unions are pressing for a wage increase of 17 percent over six years and oppose raising contribution levels for key benefits for future employees.
Meanwhile the MTA began what it termed a “communication blitz” to keep the commuting public up to date on plans that would go into effect in the event of a strike at the LIRR.
It includes notices in seven newspapers as well as informational notices in local television, radio and other places.
More than 300,000 riders take LIRR trains daily.
The negotiations involve more than 5,400 employees of the railroad who have been working without a contract since 20l0.
Reach contributing writer Philip Newman by e-mail at timesledgernews@cnglocal.com or phone at 718-260-4536.
