As the end of the three-year contract between Teamsters Union Local 533 and RTC RIDE came Thursday, the final contract proposal is being reviewed Sunday.

Mark Tracy, secretary-treasurer of the Teamsters who represents more than 150 RTC drivers, said he will review the final proposal with his labor members to discuss negotiation options.

"A strike is very possible," Tracy said. "We will do whatever it takes."

Issues, such as the 32 percent wage increase and increased pension pay that the union is asking for, were met by RTC's proposed 9 percent wage increase.

Mike Steele, manager of RTC RIDE, attributes the company's offers to the condition economy is in.

"Tough economic conditions put a strain on resources for many businesses and transit systems are not immune," Steel said. "We want to resolve this as soon as possible for the benefit of the riders and the community."

Major factors such as the 5 percent decrease of sales tax revenues, which fund much of RTC RIDE, and rising fuel prices impact the services RTC is able to provide.

RTC reduced services in May by 6.8 percent and are looking to cut another 3.2 percent by the end of June. By 2009, RTC expects to cut 20 percent in services.