Several local residents said they expect a much longer commute if a strike were to occur. Linda Kotowski, of Merrick, has commuted to her office near City Hall via the LIRR for nearly 21 years. On a good day, her commute takes an hour and 15 minutes. 

“The detour I will have to take in this first leg of my commute will result in a colossal waste of time and effort,” she said. “If the strike goes forward, I am certain it will be destructive to productivity at a time when our economy is struggling to make a comeback.” 

Alison Wrynn, of Merrick, who works at a law firm in the Financial District, said she could be dropped off at the 7 subway station in Flushing by a family member, but conflicting work schedules could make that plan difficult. 

“I know talks have been breaking down, but I hope both sides can compromise and come together,” she said. “A lot of people’s livelihoods are at stake.” 

Evan Hoffman, of Bellmore, who works in the technology department of an online retailer in the Flatiron District, said he could telecommute during a strike. He said commuting to the city by bus sounds like “hell on earth.” But, he said, elected leaders have not offered a better plan.

“The MTA is an organization that everybody loves to hate,” he said. “Politicians speaking out against them is just a way to score cheap points with the public. If they don’t have a better solution, they should keep their mouths shut.”

No compromise reached in union, MTA talks

After a meeting last Friday in Manhattan, contract talks between the MTA and the eight LIRR unions ended with no compromise.

Union members threatened to end negotiations after learning that MTA officials had discussed their proposal with members of the press and two of the eight labor groups before the meeting. Anthony Simon, general chairman of the United Transportation Union, said he was tired of dealing with the MTA’s “arrogance and disrespect” over the past four years.