00:00For the first time in 30 years, the Long Island Railroad is shut down due to a strike.
00:04Long Island Railroad Service is suspended and falls into a strike.
00:08As of 12.01 Saturday morning, about 3,500 union workers walked off the job,
00:13leaving nearly 300,000 commuters wondering how they'll get to work.
00:17I understand the workers. They obviously need to be paid more,
00:21but it also inconveniences thousands of people that need it for transportation.
00:25How inconvenient do you think this is?
00:27It's like a daily use tool that people rely on. It's just gone.
00:32Both sides said the fight is over wage increases and health care premiums.
00:36Union leaders say workers need raises to keep up with inflation.
00:40The MDA argues larger increases could lead to fare hikes and higher taxpayer costs.
00:45Now, LIRR workers are already the highest paid in the country,
00:48with an average salary of $131,000 back in 2024.
00:52The LIRR unions were pushing for a 5% raise,
00:56while the MTA is countered with 3%.
00:58So, what does this mean for you?
01:01Well, the LIRR Twitter account is advising people to work from home, if possible,
01:06and says there will be limited shuttle buses for essential workers.
01:10Now, there is some good news,
01:12because the last LIRR strike happened in 1994,
01:16and that lasted just two days.
01:18But, if no deal is reached by Monday,
01:21expect even more traffic on the highways and longer work commutes.
01:25For more information on this historic strike,
01:28head to greaterlongisland.com.
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