Officials with Teamsters Local 533 said the drivers will continue to work but a strike has not been ruled out.

Transit Management of Washoe operates the bus system for the Regional Transportation Commission.

Union members last month overwhelming rejected what the company called its last and final offer.

Company spokesman Michael Steele said workers were offered a 9 percent wage increase over three years and an increase in pension contributions from $1.10 to $1.20 per hour.

Union officials said drivers and dispatchers object to the elimination of negotiated work rules proposed by the company.

“We will continue to work. We want a contract. We don't want to strike,” George R. Thrower, a 24-year driver and Teamsters shop steward, said Wednesday.

The RTC said the union broke off a two-day bargaining session, but Thrower disagreed.

“The company comes back and places on the table the same last, best and final proposal offer that they had previously given us,” Thrower said. “The exact same.”

No negotiations are scheduled.

“I'm disappointed we did not reach agreement,” Steele said. “I am still hopeful the union will ratify the contract.”

  

Information from: Reno Gazette-Journal, www.rgj.com