New York governor pleads with unions to resume talks amid North America's largest commuter rail system shut down

[Omaha Steve]

Source: PBS-AP

May 17, 2026 1:50 PM EDT

By — Philip Marcelo, AP By — Michael Sisak, AP

NEW YORK (AP) — New York Gov. Kathy Hochul pleaded with unions representing workers for the Long Island Rail Road, North America's largest commuter rail system, to resume bargaining Sunday, saying the workers and hundreds of thousands of commuters stand to lose if a strike drags on.

"This is my official invitation. We didn't want you to leave. You left. You're welcome to come back. I'll provide refreshments, whatever you like. Just c'mon back," Hochul told a news conference as the strike — the first in three decades — entered its second day.

Hochul, appearing with the chief executive of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority that runs the railroad more commonly known by commuters as the "LIRR," pleaded with the unions to try to reach a deal before Monday's morning commute.

"We all know that the railroad is the lifeblood of Long Island. Without it, life as we know it is simply not possible. The bottom line is, no one wins in a strike. Everyone is hurt," she said.



Read more: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/new-york-governor-pleads-with-unions-to-resume-talks-amid-north-americas-largest-commuter-rail-system-shut-down

[littlemissmartypants]

1. What the heck?

Full disclosure, I did not read the article.

So, did she offer any more help in the conflict resolution that refreshments?

[ahnakneemoose]

2. This Is Outrageous

The governors of both New York and New Jersey 'should' be able to FORCE all of them back to work - then negotiate later (!!).

[mike_c]

3. are you saying the governors should kneecap a righteous strike?

That would take away the only real world power workers have. Forcing someone to work under conditions they've chosen to strike is regressive, to say the least. Strikes are supposed to be painful. Vent your frustration against management, which is apparently unwilling to conduct good faith negotiations with transit workers without some painful persuasion.

[ahnakneemoose]

6. Yes

In this (very specific) situation (for the greater good of those using this service each and every day), simply let the trains run while continuing to negotiate.

OR, advance new negotiators (!)...

[joshdawg]

4. Maybe they will go back to work

when they get a reasonable contract offer from LIRR.

[Omaha Steve]

5. OR force the LIRR to pay and benefit what the workers want!

Same basic principle.

[Stargazer99]

8. So the capitalist can screw the worker??

[NoRethugFriends]

7. Break the strike. Such a wonderful idea. Stick to music.