About 1,000 Long Island Rail Road union electricians could stage a work stoppage as early as next week. The stoppage is in response to the suspension of a long-time employee.

Ronald Dolginko, of North Babylon, has worked for the LIRR for 25 years. Dolginko has been suspended without pay since December, since testing positive for marijuana.

Dolginko had open heart surgery in August and when he took a physical to return to work in December, he tested positive for marijuana.

However, Dolginko says he never used marijuana and believes the medications he is on since his surgery produced a false positive.

The union argues the railroad violated a collective bargaining agreement by administering the drug test.

In an effort to resolve this case, the union electricians could stage a work stoppage as soon as next week.

Tim Minton, a spokesman from MTA says, “Any discussion of an illegal work stoppage is irresponsible, inflammatory and a disservice to Long Islanders who rely on the LIRR to get to jobs, doctors and wherever else they need to go. Should such a disruptive walkout occur in violation of the law, the MTA would take the strongest measures possible to end the disruption and minimize any impact on riders.”