Possible LIRR strike could happen Saturday if no deal is reached | Live updates

Negotiations between LIRR union leaders and the MTA ended Thursday night with no deal.

Union leaders said that the two sides are still far apart in negotiations, and will be back at the table Friday as the clock continues to count down to a midnight deadline on Saturday.

"At this point the parties are very far apart but we look forward to meeting with them tomorrow and we'll take it from there," said Kevin Sexton, vice president of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen.

The union says they hope they can bridge the gap, with the biggest issues that remain being wages and the fourth year of the contract.

They also called out the LIRR for making threats, and choosing games that make them look "foolish and unlawful."

MTA's chief negotiator Gary Dellaverson described the day as "frustrating," saying he believed progress would move quickly once the MTA put the full amount of money recommended by the federal board on the table.

Dellaverson also confirmed that MTA Chairman and CEO Janno Lieber attended Thursday's talks.

The MTA pushed back against claims from union leaders that the agency was using "gimmicks" or "games" during negotiations. Officials said the agency's proposal contains additional money for workers and fully matches the recommendations outlined by the Presidential Emergency Board.

Despite the lack of an agreement, MTA officials said they remain optimistic.

In the event of an LIRR strike, LaGuardia Airport revealed alternative transportation options to access the airport.

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.