LIRR Strike Vote: BLET Engineers Demand Fair Pay

LIRR locomotive engineers vote on strike, potentially impacting service. Contract dispute unresolved since April 2022.

LIRR Strike Vote: BLET Engineers Demand Fair Pay
September 7, 2025 8:15 pm | Last Update: September 7, 2025 8:17 pm
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Introduction

The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) has authorized a strike vote for approximately 600 locomotive engineers at the MTA Long Island Rail Road (LIRR), with ballots due by September 15. The engineers, who have not received a raise since April 16, 2022, are involved in a contract dispute that has been in mediation since February 2024.

Strike Authorization

BLET locomotive engineers at LIRR are currently receiving ballots to authorize a strike, according to a BLET newsletter issued on August 29. The deadline for returning the ballots to BLET is September 15.

Contract Dispute and Mediation

The engineers have not received a pay increase since April 16, 2022. The contract dispute has been under National Mediation Board (NMB)-sponsored mediation since February 2024.

Bargaining Coalition

The BLET is part of a bargaining coalition that includes the Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen, the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, and the Transportation Communication Union. A report from the New York Daily News indicates that all five unions could potentially strike as early as September 18.

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Conclusion

The BLET is conducting a strike authorization vote for its locomotive engineers employed by the MTA Long Island Rail Road. The engineers have not received a raise since April 16, 2022, and the contract dispute has been in mediation since February 2024. The BLET is in a bargaining coalition with four other unions, which could also strike as early as September 18.

Company Summary

Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET): The BLET represents locomotive engineers and other transportation workers in the United States.

MTA Long Island Rail Road (LIRR): The LIRR is a commuter rail system serving Long Island and parts of New York City.