'Dumacrat': Trump lashes out at Hochul after she blames him for rail system strike – KVII
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by JESSICA A. BOTELHO | The National News Desk
NEW YORK (TNND) — President Donald Trump lashed out at New York Gov. Kathy Hochul on Saturday after she blamed federal officials for the Long Island Rail Road strike that shut down service for hundreds of thousands of commuters.
In a Truth Social post, Trump denied any responsibility for the labor dispute and called Hochul a "Failed New York State Governor" and "a Dumacrat."
The Long Island Rail Road, which is North America's biggest commuter rail system, shut down on Saturday after thousands of unionized workers went on strike following months of failed contract negotiations with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA).
The strike started just after midnight and marked the railroad's first major work stoppage in more than 30 years.
Five unions representing roughly 3,500 workers — including engineers, signalmen, machinists and electrical workers — walked off the job after negotiators failed to reach a new labor agreement.
The shutdown immediately disrupted travel for an estimated 250,000 to 300,000 daily riders, who rely on the railroad to commute between Long Island and New York City.
Union leaders said workers have gone years without a new contract and are seeking wage increases that keep pace with inflation and the region's high cost of living. The MTA has argued that meeting the unions’ demands could lead to significant fare hikes or budget cuts across the transit system.
MTA Chairman Janno Lieber said the agency "gave the union everything they said they wanted in terms of pay" and that to him it was apparent the unions always intended to walk out.
Kevin Sexton, national vice president of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen, said no new negotiations have been scheduled.
Hochul urged commuters to work remotely if possible.
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EDITOR'S NOTE: The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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