The union for thousands of doormen and other workers at Brooklyn and city apartment buildings has rejected the management?s contract proposal.

Negotiations began last week between Local 32BJ of the Service Employees International Union and the Realty Advisory Board, which represents the property owners. The union is asking the board to provide workers with health care coverage, wages and pensions they need to make ends meet. The union says the workers are prepared to strike if a deal isn?t reached.

The current contract was signed in 2003. However, union officials say the health care costs are now outpacing the wages of the workers. A realty board representative says taxes, energy, insurance, health care and pension benefits have skyrocketed for building owners.

The next negotiation session is scheduled for March 27.