LIRR Workers Rally as Strike Looms

Thousands of Long Island Rail Road workers and supporters rallied for a new contract as a looming strike threatens to disrupt the daily commute.
 
The unions' chief negotiator says Saturday that it's "absolutely crazy" transit officials rejected recommendations from two presidential emergency boards and have failed to reach a deal.
 
He said he's hoping Gov. Andrew Cuomo will tell the Metropolitan Transportation Authority to extend a "cooling off period" to allow the sides to negotiate until September and avoid a strike next month.
 
Congressman Tim Bishop says it's unprecedented to ignore the presidential board's recommendations.
 
He says the railroad's strike contingency plan would have a severe impact on Long Island's economy, especially on the East End.
 
The Long Island Rail Road is the country's largest commuter rail service.