Union leaders intensified pressure on the Metropolitan Transportation Authority as contract negotiations continued Saturday with less that a week remaining before a potential strike on the Long Island Rail Road.

Workers rallied outside the Massapequa LIRR station, demanding higher wages and warning that they are prepared to walk off the job if a deal is not reached.

“Hear us and hear us well. Settle the contract or we strike,” said Matt Hollis, president of the Transportation Communications Union.

Union officials say workers are struggling to keep up with rising costs tied to groceries, gas and utilities. They argued that current pay levels no longer match the economic reality many employees face.

“Buying power has decreased significantly. We see it in our utility bills, we see at the grocery store, we see it at the gas pump,” said Shaun O’Connor, general chairman for the Machinist Union.

As News 12 has previously reported, union leaders are seeking a 14.5% pay increase over the next four years, while the MTA has countered with a 12.5% raise over the same period along with additional compensation tied to changes in work rules.

Union representatives rejected the proposal, saying one-time bonuses do not provide long-term financial security for workers and their families.

“A one-time signing bonus is not real wages,” O’Connor said. “It doesn't last a career for our members and it surely does not support the families.”

In a statement to News 12, the MTA said:

"This was the first-ever 'Rally for a Fare Hike' -- and it was led by the highest paid railroad workers in America who want to have their members get bigger raises than all other MTA union employees. We remain committed to negotiating whenever and wherever to get to an agreement that makes sure workers are paid fairly, and riders and taxpayers are protected.

Throughout this negotiation the MTA has put forward ideas to avoid a strike while the unions stuck with their push for budget-busting wage increases funded by fare increases and tax hikes that would unduly burden working New Yorkers. We need to work together to close a deal and keep Long Island moving."

Under the current MTA contingency plan, shuttle buses would operate from the Hempstead Lake State Park, Hicksville, Ronkonkoma, Huntington and Mineola LIRR stations and transport riders to subway connections in Queens.

The two sides will meet again to negotiate on Monday.