Union workers at Hudson Valley?s Consolidated Edison are expected to reach a decision at midnight on whether or not to walk off the job.

With only several hours remaining before the midnight deadline, the union says a strike is likely because they still haven't reached an agreement on several key issues.

?If Con Ed doesn't meet our demands, there will be a strike,? says Anthony Pedagna, union representative of Local 12. ?The length we can not determine right now. It depends on what the company will give them.?

Union leaders say the main points of contention between the utility giant and the workers include wage increases, medical coverage and pension benefits.

Con Ed is offering workers a 1.5 percent wage increase this month, in addition to an optional merit increase. Employees would also receive the same increase in January 2009 and three more 1 percent increases for the next three years.

?That's a big concern because I can't go a couple hours without power,? says Tunde Ogunleye, of New Rochelle, which experienced several power outages this month as a result of a storm. With more bad weather in the forecast, some local residents say this is not the time for a strike.

If the utility workers walk off the job tomorrow, Con Ed representatives say management is prepared to respond to any emergencies, and service will not be interrupted.