If LIRR workers strike, they will immobilize many of Long Island’s citizens and potentially cause immeasurable, devastating financial consequences to thousands of businesses whose workers may be unable to reach their jobs on time….or, at all.
Nurses, health aides, doctors, and other healthcare providers may be unable to reach their medical facilities to care for their patients. Firemen, policemen, paramedics, and sanitation workers may be unable to reach their work places, as well.
In addition, if LIRR workers strike, they will cause immeasurable, emotional distress to thousands of riders and motorists.
As such, it would seem prudent for our legislators to pass a law, similar to New York’s Taylor Law affecting public employees, which would include penalties for strikes by railroad workers.
Amidst other provisions, the Taylor Law penalizes striking, public employees with a two-day penalty payment for every day their unions strike.
A similar law, covering LIRR employees, might serve as a financial deterrent to a strike that would impact the public’s safety in such a grossly negative manner.
Citizens’ collective safety is at stake here. If there is a further overload of cars on our meager road ways due to an LIRR strike, there will be an expanded potential for more serious accidents, more road rage, and increased response time for emergency responders.
If Gov. Cuomo refuses to take measures to prevent an LIRR strike, our legislators should embrace their responsibilities and perform a main duty for which they were elected….protecting the best interests of our citizens. New York’s voters are watching.
Kathleen Rittel
East Williston
