Mamdani Declines LIRR Picket Line as Hochul Warns Union Deal Could Trigger 8% Fare Hike
Updated
Updated · Gothamist · May 18
Mamdani Declines LIRR Picket Line as Hochul Warns Union Deal Could Trigger 8% Fare Hike
6 articles · Updated · Gothamist · May 18
Zohran Mamdani said Monday he will not join striking Long Island Rail Road workers, despite saying he remains hopeful both sides can reach a fair deal and restore commuter service.
An 8% fare-hike warning from Gov. Kathy Hochul and Mamdani’s need for billions in state budget support help explain the move, which could also preserve his leverage in future talks with teachers, police and other municipal unions.
Claire Valdez — a state assemblymember backed by Mamdani — marched with workers outside Penn Station, while the Democratic Socialists of America’s Long Island chapter also publicly supported the union.
Labor observers said the split is less surprising for a mayor than for an activist: backing a public-sector rail strike carries different political risks than Mamdani’s earlier appearances with Starbucks baristas and nurses.
With the city losing $61 million daily, can the mayor end the transit strike without breaking his campaign promises?
When a pro-union mayor avoids a picket line, what does it reveal about the true limits of his political power?