BUFFALO, N.Y. — Teamsters Local 449 represents a majority of American Medical Response employees in Erie and Niagara Counties.

Teamsters notified AMR Western New York Thursday that their workers will strike if they don't get a new contract in the next 10 days.

AMR Regional Director Tom Maxian says they are committed to getting a deal done, but they are ready for any scenario.

"We are prepared right now with 88 staffed ambulances, staffed with New York State providers to come into our region if needed. That's twice the number of ambulances that we have on the street every day. We run 36-43 ambulances, depending on the day of the week," Maxian said.

Maxian says negotiations started last May and the sides have met at least 25 times.

He calls their latest proposal a "robust, comprehensive package" that includes a 3 percent salary bump for all employees retroactive to July 1st and wage increases moving forward averaging 17.2 percent.

Employees would also be paid double-time for being held at the end of their shift for an emergency call and would be given improved health care coverage.

Maxian says the only snag in negotiations is payment for a small group of Advanced Emergency Medical Technicians, which are mid-level employees.

"We asked the Teamsters this question: 'Is the only thing remaining this wage question on a very narrow group of employees?' And the Teamsters gave us a very unequivocal "yes," Maxian said.

AMR took over service in Buffalo in 2016.

Last April, Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown praised the company's response times.

Maxian says he has been in touch with Brown and the Common Council daily.

"Certainly, we're concerned about it. We want to make sure that ambulance service is provided to the residents of our community. I know that there are other services that are prepared to step in if necessary. Hopefully it will not be necessary," Brown said.

Maxian says they submitted their most recent proposal within the last two weeks and asked for the union to contact them with any questions.

He says they have not received any questions so far.

Teamsters Local 449 declined to be interviewed for this story, saying instead the union would provide a statement later.