New York commuters faced major disruptions Monday morning as Long Island Rail Road workers walked off the job for the first time in more than 30 years, halting service on the busiest commuter rail line in the United States.
The strike, which began over the weekend, involves roughly 3,500 employees or about half the LIRR workforce and has suspended all trains running into Manhattan from Long Island and parts of Queens.
Brooklyn resident Mekan Esenov arrived at the station early only to find no trains operating. "There are no trains," he said.
Officials have placed some buses on routes to replace train service, though they acknowledge these vehicles can handle only a fraction of the usual passenger volume.
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority, which oversees the LIRR, and union representatives halted negotiations late last week before the walkout began.
Commuters expressed frustration over the sudden change in their daily routines, with many now facing significantly longer trips into the city.
One title from coverage captured the sentiment among riders: "We keep waiting and nothing is changing."
Authorities are calling on both sides to resume talks quickly to limit further economic and travel impacts across the region.
The LIRR normally carries hundreds of thousands of passengers each weekday, making the current suspension particularly disruptive for workers who cannot perform their jobs remotely.
According to reports, the dispute centers on contract terms that remained unresolved after extended discussions.
Local officials noted that while temporary bus service helps some riders, it falls far short of meeting demand during peak hours.
Residents across Long Island and Queens described scrambling for alternative transportation options, including carpooling and earlier departures.
The strike marks a rare escalation in labor relations for the rail system, which has avoided such actions for three decades.
Negotiators are expected to return to the table in the coming days amid growing pressure from commuters and business leaders.