Congressman Gregory W. Meeks' Statement On MTA-LIRR Labor Dispute Impact

Congressman Gregory W. Meeks' Statement On MTA-LIRR Labor Dispute Impact

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Congressman Gregory W. Meeks (NY-05) made the following statement today regarding the MTA-LIRR labor dispute:

“Today I met with members of the New York delegation, and MTA, Chairman and CEO, Thomas Prendergast to discuss the impasse in labor negotiations with the Long Island Railroad Union. Based on these discussions, my colleagues in the New York delegation and I agree, it is unlikely that Congress will impose a settlement. We also agreed that the LIRR union should provide a counter-offer to MTA. MTA should meet immediately with the LIRR union to receive this counter-offer, and both sides need to open to negotiate to avoid a strike.”

“The U.S. Congress should not have to involve itself in matters concerning New York transit labor disputes. I support both the MTA and the LIRR Union coming back to the table and negotiating in good faith to avoid an unnecessary and costly strike. Any disruptions in rail service irrevocably damages the trust that the public has in the MTA and the LIRR, and hurts our still recovering economy.”