The president of the union representing most Port Authority workers said an exchange of contract proposals with management went poorly Thursday, and union officials will meet Monday to discuss their options.

Patrick McMahon, president and business agent of Local 85, Amalgamated Transit Union, said the union's executive board will discuss "how to go forward to protect the interest of the local and its members." Bus and trolley operators, mechanics and other hourly workers have been on the job without a contract since July 1.

Mr. McMahon declined yesterday to discuss the possibility of a strike of the kind that has curtailed mass transit in the Philadelphia area since Monday. He said the executive board has to discuss the issue Monday before any public announcement of the union's intentions.

Port Authority spokesman Bob Grove said the transit agency had no comment "other than we remain focused on finding a solution at the bargaining table."