NJ Transit and an engineers’ union appear to be heading toward a major rail strike that would start Friday — the first one in decades. Currently, both sides are in Washington, D.C. participating in mediation,

Both NJ Transit and the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers were in Washington, D.C. on Monday to continue negotiations with the help of the National Mediation Board. If they can’t come to terms, a a strike will begin May 16. Commuters may be stuck figuring out a plan to get around New Jersey or into New York City.

The union that represents the engineers who drive New Jersey Transit’s commuter trains has threatened a walkout as soon as Friday if a contract deal is not reached.