Brothers and Sisters,
As you know, our collective bargaining negotiations with the Long Island Rail Road have now reached a critical juncture. Despite months of mediation, the Carrier has failed to address the issues that matter most to you. Instead, the MTA/LIRR have treated the dedication and professionalism you bring to work every day with contempt.
Under the Railway Labor Act (RLA), when negotiations stall, the National Mediation Board may recommend the creation of a Presidential Emergency Board (PEB). A PEB is appointed by the President of the United States, usually at the request of either the Governor, the Railroad, or the President directly and it is designed to investigate the dispute as well as make recommendations to settle it.
As of today, neither the Governor, the LIRR nor the President has requested a PEB. That means that as we approach the strike deadline of September 18th, we must prepare ourselves for all possible outcomes, including exercising our legal right to strike.
Therefore, the Union will be conducting a strike authorization vote. This vote does not mean a strike will begin immediately. Instead, it ensures that if the deadline arrives without a PEB being established, your elected leadership has the authority to call a strike if necessary.
Your participation in this vote is essential. This is your voice, your contract, and your future.
Details of the Strike Vote:
- Date: September 5, 2025 @ 6:00pm
- Location: Hibernian Hall, 27 Locust Ave Babylon, NY 11702
- Eligibility: All members in good standing
We remain hopeful that a PEB will be requested before the deadline, but we cannot allow politicians or the MTA/LIRR to dictate our fate. By standing together and preparing for every possibility, we send the strongest message possible: the members of this union will not accept a contract that allows inflation to erode its value and does not provide for the maintenance of real wages.
In Solidarity,
Jeffrey Klein,
General Chairman
IBEW LU 58