New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo has brokered a deal between the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) - operator of the country's largest commuter rail road system - and the union, preventing a massive labor strike that could have crippled New York's metropolitan area, according to the Associated Press.

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With both parties at a deadlock and only less than a week before the planned walk-out, Cuomo called the two sides for discussions on Wednesday.

Soon after, a compromise was reached with both parties agreeing to a 17 percent raise over six-and-a-half years. The workers would also be required to contribute two percent of their pay to cover health care.

There would be no increase in fare prices.

Cuomo's pragmatism and ability to prevent crises has put him the spotlight yet again.

Commuter Jeff Rothfield said he was glad Cuomo had "stepped up and stepped in" to resolve the dispute.

Stony Brook University political science professor Peter Salins noted that it would have damaged Cuomo's image as an effective negotiator if the deal had resulted in higher fares. He described the deal as a "win situation" citing that the deal benefitted both the governor and Long Island commuters.

"The road to the White House may be via the LIRR (Long Island Rail Road)," said David Gregory, a labor law expert and law professor at St. John's University.

However, the deal was also met with criticism, most notably from Republican Rob Astorino, who is set to run for governor against Cuomo this year.

Astorino on Thursday described Cuomo's efforts as a "political sideshow."

He questioned the long-term effects of the deal and "how much it will truly cost already overburdened taxpayers and commuters."

Earlier this year, Cuomo helped resolve a labor dispute between the MTA and bus and subway drivers that called for an eight percent salary increase over five years.

Meanwhile, Cuomo's allies announced on Thursday plans to start a Women's Equality Party that would provide women with their own ballot line in the November elections.

TagsNew York governor, Rob Astorino, Republican, Democrat, Women's Equality Party, LIRR, Long Island Rail Road, MTA, Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Labor union, Peter Salins, David Gregory, Andrew Cuomo