Long Island Rail Road shuts down as workers strike for first time in 30 years

The Long Island Rail Road, North America's largest commuter rail system serving New York City and eastern suburbs, ceased operations Saturday after unionized workers went on strike for the first time in three decades. Five unions representing about half the railroad's workforce walked off the job just after midnight. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority, the public agency that runs the railroad, has been in negotiations with the unions over contract terms.