NBC News · Long Island Railroad workers go on strike

1. 1. The nation's busiest commuter rail system, the Long Island Railroad, is at a complete standstill following a midnight strike by its workers.
2. 2. Roughly half of the Long Island Railroad's 7,000 employees walked off their jobs after contract negotiations failed.
3. 3. The breakdown in contract talks primarily revolved around disagreements concerning wages and health care benefits for the railroad workers.
4. 4. The Long Island Railroad typically serves approximately 250,000 people daily, commuting between New York City and the Long Island suburbs.
5. 5. New York's governor has advised riders to work from home if possible, in light of the ongoing LIRR strike.