The Long Island Rail Road ceased all operations Saturday as five labor unions went on strike over wage and health care disputes.This system shutdown halts transit for 250,000 daily commuters across the region while forcing many to seek alternative transportation.The Metropolitan Transportation Authority warns that union demands for higher pay will likely necessitate significant fare increases for riders.Governor
Kathy Hochul faces mounting political pressure to resolve the labor impasse quickly to avoid further damage to her reelection bid.