Asked about his response to the congressmen’s letter, Sheet Metal, Air, Railroad and Transportation Union Chairman Anthony Simon stressed how representatives from across party lines have urged the MTA to reconsider its demands for wage concessions from LIRR workers.

“The unions have said it, The Presidential Emergency Board has said it, and now twelve members of Congress have said it,” said Simon. “What more does the MTA need to hear?

“The unions do not want to strike, but it looks like the MTA does,” Simon added. “Let’s accept [the second Presidential Emergency Board] and move on.”

MTA officials said they have not yet decided whether to make a request for a second board, and that they will wait before pursuing action to mitigate plans for a labor strike.