Con Edison and thousands of union workers narrowly avoided a strike with a tentative deal overnight.

The Con Edison Utility Workers Union Local 1-2 announced it reached a tentative agreement with the company, avoiding a work stoppage.

The last agreement between Con-Ed and the union expired at midnight Sunday.

More than 8,000 employees were set to strike if a deal wasn't reached.

One the major requests from the union was for an improved benefits package due to the coronavirus pandemic. More than 700 members tested positive for COVID-19, according to the union.

"Our members are first responders," says Reggie Davis of the Utility Workers Union of America Local 1-2. "We answer the call just like any other first responder. Whether you're talking about Hurricane Sandy, whether you're talking about the different blackouts, the rolling blackouts and even the current pandemic that we're facing right now. Our members put their lives on the line to keep the power running."

A possible walk-out could have impacted millions of Con Edison customers in Westchester and New York City.

In the latest statement sent to News 12 Saturday, a spokesperson for the utility company remained optimistic a deal would get done, saying: "We look forward to continuing productive discussions with the union leadership and an equitable agreement for our employees and customers."

News 12 reached out to both Con Edison and union representatives for details of the agreement and are still waiting to hear back.