May 17, 2026
Brothers and Sisters,
After negotiations broke down following the expiration of the cooling-off period, the Long Island Rail Road Bargaining Coalition exercised its right under the Railway Labor Act and initiated self-help at 12:01 AM on May 16, 2026.
The National Mediation Board has requested a meeting with the Coalition this morning. As developments occur, we will continue to provide timely updates to the membership regarding the status of negotiations and any next steps.
While our members stand strong on the picket lines, your Bargaining Coalition continues to work tirelessly to secure a fair agreement and bring this dispute to an end. The strength and solidarity shown on the line strengthens our voice at the bargaining table every day.
Yesterday marked the first full day of our strike, and the response from our collective memberships was nothing short of extraordinary.
What happened yesterday on the picket lines sent a message that could not be ignored.
The public saw it.
The media saw it.
The politicians saw it.
Management saw it.
Most importantly, they saw the strength, determination, and unity of organized labor standing shoulder to shoulder.
Every member who showed up on the line demonstrated that this Coalition is united and committed to securing a fair agreement. Your attendance, your discipline, and your resolve spoke louder than words ever could. The solidarity displayed on the line reflected the pride and professionalism of every craft represented within this Coalition.
This part of the process, like so many others in labor disputes before it, is designed to wear working people down. It is designed to test our patience, our resolve, and our unity. But we will not be worn down — not now, not ever. We will continue to lift one another up because that is what union men and women do. That is who we are. We stand together, we support one another, and we fight together with dignity and purpose.
This dispute is about more than just a contract. It is about respect, dignity, and the future of bargaining on the Long Island Rail Road. What we are doing right now will be remembered as a pivotal moment in the history of labor negotiations on this property. Future generations of railroad workers will look back on this moment and understand that our members stood together when it mattered most — when we needed each other most.
As we move forward, we must remain united and continue to show the same strength on the line each and every day. A strong and visible picket line demonstrates to everyone watching that we are committed, organized, and prepared to stand together for as long as necessary.
We want to thank every member who came out yesterday and commend you for the solidarity shown not only within your own organizations, but alongside all members of the Coalition. That unity is our greatest strength.
Stay strong. Stay united. Continue to support one another and continue to show the professionalism and solidarity that defines this Coalition.
Because it’s more than just showing up; it’s showing everyone who we are and what we stand for. In Solidarity,
The Long Island Rail Road Bargaining Coalition
Click here to view the release.