NEW YORK (WABC) -- Long Island Rail Road workers could go on strike May 16 if they don't reach a new contract deal with the MTA.
The union representing LIRR workers is pushing for higher pay, but MTA leaders warn that agreeing to those demands could trigger significant fare hikes.
Five unions representing 3,500 workers, including engineers, signalmen and trainmen, are threatening to strike if an agreement cannot be reached.
The MTA says if a strike happens, it will roll out a contingency plan that includes shuttle buses to help move riders.
LIRR service to the Jamaica AirTrain JFK Station may be suspended beginning Saturday, May 16, due to a possible strike.
AirTrain JFK will not be affected.
MTA Chief of Policy and External Relations John McCarthy said "very serious talks" are ongoing, and there's "a lot of back and forth."
"There is still work to be done. It's like any negotiation, there is a lot of back and forth, but we are not going to give up on this," McCarthy said.
"We are going to be in it as long as it takes. We are hopeful we can get something done tonight, but we will stay for as long as it takes," he added.
McCarthy said they are "optimistic" a deal can be made, and are "very close," but more work needs to be done.
He said MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber and LIRR President Rob Free were involved in Thursday's negotiations at MTA Headquarters.
"Everyone is focused on getting to a deal at the highest levels of the MTA, at the highest levels of the union," McCarthy said.
The MTA has contingency plans in place in case Long Island Rail Road workers go on strike for all lines except one - the Port Washington Branch.
Some riders are left wondering why.
"That will be a nightmare for commuters, a lot of people in this town use the train to get to the city for work," said Port Washington resident Dennis Krevey.
The Port Washington line is one that will not have bus service available to commuters.
"We need bus service for somewhere on this line," said Town of North Hempstead Councilwoman Mariann Dalimonte.
Dalimonte wrote a letter to the county executive and town supervisor requesting public parks be made available for commuter parking.
Nassau county executive Bruce Blakeman released a statement saying in part:
"NICE Bus will have extra buses on existing routes to handle overload in the event of a strike. NICE Bus drivers will not cross picket lines by establishing new routes and NYS regulations do not allow for direct bus service to Manhattan. All county parks have large parking lots which can be used for carpooling."
Contract negotiations will go into the night.
Union members are taking a break and then talks will resume at 7 p.m.
The union said they are working toward and agreement "slowly, very slowly."
They say it's unlikely there will be a settlement Thursday as there is still a long way to go.
"We are going to do everything in our power to reach an agreement but I cannot guarantee that at this time," a union rep said.
