New York commuters suffered because of a strike, but new details are coming out that raise some serious questions. Are union bosses living high on the hog while demanding more from hardworking taxpayers?
- Union Hypocrisy: Luxury spending exposed during strike.
- Taxpayer Burden: Commuters suffer while unions splurge.
- Lack of Transparency: Details of the deal remain hidden.
Union Bosses’ Vegas Vacation: Paid For By You?
Five unions involved in the recent Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) strike spent over $3.2 million in 2025 on fancy hotels, resorts, and restaurants. Yes, you read that right. All while claiming their members were struggling to keep up with costs.
These are the same unions that brought New York to its knees. They disrupted the lives of hundreds of thousands of commuters. The strike cost the region an estimated $61 million per day.
From Picket Line to Prime Rib: How Your Money is Spent
Labor Department disclosures reveal some eye-popping expenses.
The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen, along with the International Association of Machinists, blew roughly $500,000 at Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas! That’s not just lodging; it includes event expenses. The Transportation Communications Union dropped $856,403 at Caesar’s Hotel in Reno. Remember, this is gambling money.
While in Sin City, the unions racked up bills at places like the Strip House, where an eight-ounce steak costs $67, and Peter Luger Steak House. Peter Luger keeps a cool $1 million worth of dry-aged beef on hand. IBEW also spent about $130,000 at TradeWinds Island Resort in Florida, and another $130,000 at The Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island.
The Broader Impact: The Swamp Extends to Unions
This isn’t just about a few lavish meals and hotel stays. It’s about a culture of entitlement that pervades the Left. We are seeing the rise of a culture that enriches the leaders while the rank and file, and the taxpayers who ultimately foot the bill, are left holding the bag.
This also highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability within unions. Why are union leaders spending so much money on luxury accommodations and entertainment? Is it truly benefiting their members? Or are they simply lining their own pockets?
How can we trust these unions to negotiate fairly when they’re living a lifestyle that most of their members can only dream of?


