North America’s busiest commuter rail system faces possible shutdown

North America’s busiest commuter railway could shut down this weekend as labour unions and transit officials race to reach a deal before a looming strike deadline.

The Long Island Rail Road, which serves around 250,000 passengers each weekday, has been negotiating a new contract with unions representing engineers, machinists and other rail workers.

A temporary agreement brokered by President Donald Trump’s administration in September delayed industrial action, but both sides now face a 12:01 AM Saturday deadline to settle the dispute.

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority has warned that limited shuttle bus services will replace trains if a strike or lockout occurs.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul has urged commuters to work from home if possible.

Negotiations appear to have made some progress this week. MTA negotiator Gary Dellaverson said: “The difference between those two positions is not unbridgeable.”

Union spokesperson Kevin Sexton also acknowledged “positive movement” but called suggestions of a deal being close “far-fetched.”

“We would like to reach an agreement that reflects the rising cost of living,” Sexton said adding: “Anything short of that amounts to a cut in real wages.”

The two sides are expected to continue negotiations ahead of the weekend deadline.