One Brooklyn
July 17, 2014
“I want to thank the Metropolitan Transit Authority and the unions representing 5,400 Long Island Rail Road workers for reaching a labor agreement that will keep the trains running and keep commuters moving through our region. Just hours after I and other local leaders held a press conference outside the LIRR Atlantic Terminal station, urging the sides to come to compromise, it is encouraging to see that commitment to the ridership came first. I also want to show appreciation to Governor Andrew Cuomo, whose leadership played a key role in this accord.
“This must serve as a teaching moment for the MTA, who frankly fell short of its responsibility in preparing a contingency plan for all of its customers. New York City’s ridership should not have to suffer during a future LIRR shutdown due to the lack of foresight or resources. Thousands of commuters that work on Long Island, including many Brooklynites, rely on the trains being on time for their livelihood and their livelihood of their families; they must not be considered collateral damage in a labor dispute or natural disaster. The MTA needs to assure all of its customers going forward that they will be accounted for in the event of a stoppage, regardless of their origin or their destination.”
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