The deadline for a contract deal between Indian Point union workers and Entergy was extended to at least midnight Thursday.

The closed-door discussions were extended 24 hours beyond the previous deadline in an effort to agree on a contract and avoid a strike.

Both sides met for negotiations behind closed doors at a West Harrison hotel.

Workers want medical benefits and a wage increase covering them until 2022, one year after the nuclear power plant in Buchanan shuts down.

Entergy spokesperson Jerry Napp says he wasn’t privy to what was being discussed behind closed doors, only getting updated on how both sides could be closing in on a contract.

Union president James Slevin told News 12 in a statement, "If there is a job action, it will be only because Entergy does not appear to be making any effort at the bargaining table to come to a reasonable agreement with its workers."

And in the event of a strike, Entergy tells News 12 there is a contingency plan in place to safely operate the plant.