Talks to avert an LIRR strike are set to continue Wednesday. The strike, if it happens, could begin as soon as midnight on Saturday.

Businesses, from restaurants and hospitals to retail, construction and tourism, could stand to lose tens of millions in economic activity, experts said.

Five unions, representing 3,500 workers, are threatening to strike if they can't reach an agreement with the MTA over worker wages.

Editor’s Note: The video above was aired in an earlier broadcast. NEW YORK (PIX11) — As talks between the MTA and Long Island Rail Road unions continue, contingency plans have already been set up just in case a strike begins on Saturday.

The five unions have been at odds with the MTA and the LIRR during more than two years in negotiations, with wages as the primary sticking point.

Mere days remain until hundreds of LIRR workers say they will go on strike, unless they get a new contract offer they deem acceptable. Nearly 300,000 commuters would be left scrambling if the LIRR were to pause operations.

Service on the Long Island Rail Road had been suspended in both directions between Montauk and Southampton on Friday morning.