PEF President Wayne Spence sent the following guidance to members in Regions 10-12 on May 16, 2026, regarding the Long Island Rail Road strike that is underway and could impact Monday’s commute.
PEF is aware of the significant disruption caused by the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) strike and its impact on members who rely on the LIRR to travel to and from work. Public messaging surrounding the strike has encouraged individuals to work from home where possible, and PEF has raised this issue directly with New York State.
The State has advised that agencies are considering remote work and other contingency measures for employees affected by the strike, including the possibility of allowing eligible employees to work remotely or report to State office locations on Long Island, where operationally feasible.
Several State agencies already maintain Long Island office locations, and many employees have demonstrated the ability to successfully perform their duties remotely. These temporary accommodations could help alleviate commuting hardships, reduce stress, and maintain continuity of operations during this transportation disruption.
PEF encourages members impacted by the strike to remain in communication with their supervisors regarding work expectations and available options. We will continue advocating for reasonable flexibility and will provide updates as additional information becomes available.