LIRR at risk of shutdown as union talks near deadline

North America’s busiest commuter railroad, the Long Island Rail Road, faces a shutdown risk as unions and the MTA race toward a contract deadline. After a 60-day cooling-off period, talks continue with wage demands; the MTA has offered what it says is a 4.5% increase in the contract’s fourth year via lump-sum payments, while unions seek about 16% over four years. Free limited shuttle buses will operate during rush hours if a deal is not reached, and riders are urged to telework where possible as negotiations proceed.