LIRR union officials said Thursday they are almost ready to make a deal with the MTA, averting a catastrophic strike on Sunday.
Negotiations moved to Governor Cuomo’s office in Midtown from a law firm where talks were held Wednesday.
“We are in the final hours and we are moving towards that resolution,” said lead union negotiator Anthony Simon. “I know the governor knows how to make a deal.”
He said he knows riders have been waiting their breath. “We will give them that exhale hopefully shortly,” he said.
Negotiators worked through the night and into the morning. Simon said he hasn’t slept since Tuesday night.
Gov. Cuomo said when the two sides weren’t making progress late Wednesday, he jumped into negotiations and scheduled talks at his office for the next morning.
“Time is very short. We are less than 48 hours from the point at which the railroad would commence closing procedures,” he said. “I want to make sure I have done everything I can possibly do to avert a strike , so I will now convene a meeting at 10AM at my Manhattan office to continue discussion.”
The MTA declined to comment on the progress of the talks.