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.
Gov Kathy Hochul's office said the governor called into negotiations on Friday morning.
"Governor Hochul called into this morning's negotiations with one simple message: getting a deal requires both sides to work together, including labor. Nobody wins in a strike - riders will suffer and thousands of workers will lose out on wages they need."
About 300,000 commuters hope a deal is reached so they don't have to deal with a nightmare on their way to work on Monday.
People we spoke with Friday morning are very apprehensive about the looming strike and are now trying to figure out their own plans for how they will get to and from work if it happens.
Some say they are choosing not to work or to work from home, while others say they are going to attempt to drive themselves.
Krista McNally has more from commuters in Massapequa.
The Long Island Association estimates an LIRR strike could cost $70 million in lost spending daily, up from a state comptroller estimate ahead of a potential LIRR strike in July 2014 that projected up to $50 million.
The Long Island Association said in a statement:
"The LIA is deeply concerned about the economic consequences as we head into peak tourism season on Long Island, including lost tax revenue and sales, as well as increased traffic congestion. We urge all parties to reach a swift resolution."
Below is a list of events happening this weekend that could potentially be impacted by the LIRR strike.
The MTA plans on running shuttle buses, but that's only during peak weekday hours:
MADISON SQUARE GARDEN
MSG's website says: "In the event of an LIRR strike, we encourage guests to plan ahead and allow for additional travel time. Events will continue as scheduled."
Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band are performing at MSG May 16th, at 7:30 p.m.
BEACON THEATRE
At the Beacon Theatre on Saturday and Sunday: Comedian Michelle Buteau is showcasing her "The Surviving and Thriving Tour" at 7 p.m.
CARNEGIE HALL
On Saturday:
7:30 p.m.: Clair de Lune with Vladimir Rumyantsev: The program features Beethoven's "Moonlight" Sonata, Debussy's "Clair de lune," and more.
9 p.m.: Keyon Harrold, Trumpet: Celebrate the Miles Davis centennial with the similarly genre-crossing, convention-spurning musician Keyon Harrold.
CITI FIELD
Subway Series: The Yankees play the Mets at Citi Field both Saturday and Sunday. Tomorrow's game is at 7:15pm and Sunday's game is at 1:40 p.m.
It's worth noting that the Mets will be running a shuttle in case of a strike: "The Mets have added additional shuttles to all existing Long Island game-day shuttle routes and created an entirely new shuttle line departing from the Manhasset LIRR Station to assist fans traveling from the Port Washington Line area. Shuttle tickets are just $8.99 per ticket for round-trip service, or $25 for a family of four for the new Manhasset route, and fans will automatically receive refunds if there is no strike and the shuttle service is not needed."
UBS ARENA
The 2026 USA Challenge Cup is taking place at the UBS Arena on Sunday, May 17th, at 5 p.m. This is a hockey tournament, with HC Tel Aviv playing against the Jerusalem Capitals.
