15 laid-off LIRR conductors to return as cleaners

At the end of an especially trying week that began with the Long Island Rail Road's first layoffs in 25 years, LIRR President Helena Williams offered a bit of good news Friday with the announcement that 15 laid-off workers will return to work, albeit in different jobs.

Under an arrangement with the United Transportation Union, 15 of the 36 assistant conductors laid off earlier this week will return to the LIRR as "car appearance maintainers" - commonly referred to as car cleaners.

Williams said that working with the union, which represents both conductors and car cleaners, the LIRR was able to create the new positions by eliminating unnecessary overtime among car cleaners.

Although the entry-level positions pay less than the assistant conductors were earning, the plan allows the workers to remain employed and keep their benefits.

"It's about being able to pay the mortgage," Williams said. "I think we recognize that and the union recognizes that."

If and when new assistant conductor positions open up, the workers will be able to return to them on a seniority basis, and other laid-off assistant conductors will be offered the car-cleaner jobs.

Williams said the plan will not only save jobs, but also save the LIRR about $75,000 to $100,000 a year in overtime costs.

If new car-cleaner jobs become available, they too will be offered to laid-off assistant conductors.

The LIRR is exploring similar opportunities for other laid-off workers. The LIRR eliminated 98 positions earlier this week.

Anthony Simon, general chairman of the United Transportation Union, said the organization will "continue to fight at getting every furloughed employee back to work."

"These employees are necessary to run a safe and efficient railroad," he said.