Thousands of Long Island Rail Road workers in New York walked off the job on May 16, 2026, after contract talks over a new wage agreement collapsed. The strike is the first in 32 years and shut down the busiest commuter rail system in North America, affecting nearly 300,000 daily riders. Five unions, representing about half of the LIRR’s 7,000 workers, began the walkout at 12:01 a.m. Unions cite three years without raises, while the MTA chairman says pay terms were already met.
Samsung Electronics’ labour union has refused to restart pay negotiations, insisting on transparency in the company’s bonus scheme. The standoff could trigger an 18-day strike if demands aren’t met. South Korea’s government is urging both sides to negotiate, warning that disruptions could harm the country’s chip export engine.
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Samsung Electronics board chairman Shin Je-yoon urged unionised workers to resolve pay disputes after a planned 18-day strike starting May 21. He warned the action could harm investors, employees and South Korea’s wider economy, including threats to Samsung’s market leadership and potential capital outflows.
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