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

Krista McNally spoke to LIRR riders in Massapequa who are preparing for the worst.

Krista McNally has more.

The union negotiating team returned to MTA headquarters this morning with little more than 12 hours to close a deal that's eluded them since last year.

"We're going back and forth here, I said, you know, we're going to give it our best, guys, we want everybody to know that we're doing everything in our power to prevent the service disruption, we just need a partner," said Kevin Sexton, Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen.

N.J. Burkett reports.

At 11:30 Friday morning, Gov. Kathy Hochul called the 16th floor conference room and told both sides, "...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."

But the governor did not make a counter offer. And the possibility of a strike was growing by the hour this afternoon.

The unions are demanding wage increases of 14.5% over four years. MTA officials have offered slightly smaller increases and a lump-sum payment in the contract's fourth year, to make up the difference. It's largely in line with contracts accepted by the LIRR's conductors and New York City Transit workers.

But the unions have insisted that their wages need to keep pace with rising inflation and have ruled-out accepting any lump sum payments. Negotiations broke down late last night with each side accusing the other of walking out.

"I am always optimistic that this process, which I've been engaged in for basically my entire adult life, can result in a successful resolution. All right? This is what I think. I believe this," said Gary Dellaverson, MTA Chief negotiator. "As long as you come in, in good faith and you work and you work hard towards a resolution, you can find the common ground. You can find the agreement."

Here's what union negotiators told reporters this morning:

"Hopefully we can reach an agreement. We will keep you abreast throughout the day," Sexton said.

N.J. Burkett asked why the negotiations broke down Thursday night.

"Because we don't agree about the fourth year," Sexton said.

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."