Talks once again broke down between the MTA and LIRR union representatives on Monday and with no further negotiations scheduled, the looming workers’ strike will occur, according to union officials.
“I regret to report that negotiations have collapsed with MTA, and all eight unions are now proceeding with strike plans for July 20,” said Anthony Simon, the lead negotiator representing the unions. “The strike will begin 12:01 a.m. this Sunday.”
About 5,400 workers are expected to go on strike starting on July 20, leaving 300,000 riders stranded daily.
The MTA released a contingency plan on Friday to address options for thousands of riders.
MTA Chairman and CEO Thomas Prendergast said on Monday that there is a “gulf” between the agency and the unions, which stems from the payment of employee health benefits.
LIRR workers would see a 17 percent wage increase over seven years in the MTA’s latest offer, but be required to pay toward health care costs, which employees currently don’t.
Also, future employees would pay higher rates toward health care and pensions than current ones. The unions argue that the deal would hurt future workers and they maintain that they want 17 percent raises stretched over six years.
Prendergast said that the unions haven’t budged at all during negotiations.
“We have moved three times,” he said. “Until they’re ready to move there’s no reason to have negotiations.”
RECOMMENDED STORIES
