Investigation finds husband and wife conductors on LIRR clocked in for each other while one didn’t work

Investigation finds husband and wife conductors on LIRR clocked in for each other while one didn’t work

By David Lassen | June 18, 2021

Report from MTA Inspector General says couple made at least $3,400 without reporting to work

A train in a yard
A Long Island Rail Road train departs the Jamaica station in Queens in August 2019. Two LIRR conductors, a husband and wife, clocked in for each other while one didn’t work, according to an investigation. (Trains: David Lassen)

NEW YORK — Husband and wife conductors on the Long Island Railroad received more than $3,400 in pay for not working by clocking in for each other over a period of months, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s Office of Inspector General has determined in an investigation.

In a report given to the LIRR in April but released on Thursday, the Inspector General’s office said its surveillance confirmed a tip from the railroad that the two conductors — each with more than 27 years’ experience — falsified work records. In at least two instances, investigators found that when both were scheduled to work the same train, one would report to work and clock in both, while the other stayed home.

In interviews, the two conductors — who were not identified — admitted to similar deceptions on at least six occasions, saying one had to stay home and care for a family member on short notice, when the report notes requesting time off would have resulted in potential discipline and a financial penalty.

While the report recommended punishment up to and including termination, the New York Post reports the LIRR fined the two conductors and suspended them for 15 days.

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