Unions back off threat to launch strike against New York rail agency

By David Shepardson

Sept 15 (Reuters) - New York's Metropolitan Transportation Authority said on Monday that unions had backed off from a threat to launch a strike later this week at the Long Island Rail Road, which serves nearly 300,000 passengers daily.

A group of unions said at a press conference they had asked President Donald Trump to appoint an emergency board to conduct mediation after previously threatening to launch a strike at the railroad serving New York commuters.

"This action does not mean a strike won't happen. But it does mean it won't happen now," said Gil Lang, general chairman for the BLET's LIRR engineers.

Union leaders said the appointment of a White House board would trigger a 120-day period during which the board would make a recommendation, and no work stoppage could occur in that time. If no deal is reached, the White House could then name a second board with a cooling-off period until May 2026.

The LIRR is one of the largest commuter railroads in the United States.

"The five unions decided to be the grownup in the room and request President Trump to appoint a presidential emergency board," said Jim Louis, national vice president of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen.

The MTA criticized the unions. "If these unions wanted to put riders first, they would either settle or agree to binding arbitration... This cynical delay serves no one."

The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul called on the White House for direct mediation.

"There is a fair offer on the table, and I have directed the MTA to be ready to negotiate anytime, anywhere," she said. "Both sides must return to negotiations and keep working around the clock until this is resolved."