National Grid workers across Long Island could go on strike today if a new contract is not reached. Negotiations were extended.

The employees, represented by the IBEW Local 1049 union, are currently negotiating with the utility in Melville, where talks are being mediated.

A spokesperson for National Grid told News 12, "We are at the negotiating table and eager to achieve a fair deal for our employees that is affordable for our customers. We have made good progress this afternoon with Local 1049 and are hopeful we will soon reach agreement."

Union officials are concerned that if the workers walk off the job, both service and safety could be jeopardized.

The workers are responsible for maintaining natural gas services and power plant operations across Long Island.

The key issues on the table include wages, health care and retirement benefits.

Pat Guidice, a representative from IBEW Local 1049, said, "It's important that we get a contract that has fair wages, good benefits, something that’s going to keep us progressing forward on Long Island. This is a tough place to live, and these people work hard."

Gov. Kathy Hochul issued a statement Thursday, which reads in part: "While I have directed the Department of Public Service to ensure that the utility has contingencies in place to maintain continued service to Long Island residents, I am calling on the parties not to leave the negotiating room without reaching a fair deal..."