Oshkosh Corp.'s union ratifies new 5-year contract

OSHKOSH, Wis. (AP) -- After turning down two previous contract deals, the members of Oshkosh Corp.'s production union have ratified a new five-year contract.Nick Nitschke (NICH'-kee) is the president of the United Auto Workers Local 578, which has more than 3,000 members. He says the vote passed Saturday, 77 percent to 23 percent.Nitschke says the deal passed in part because the company agreed to remove language that would have let the maker of military vehicles use temporary workers starting in 2013.Oshkosh Corp. spokesman John Daggett says the company is "very happy" with the vote. He says it's a fair contract that keeps Oshkosh competitive in pursuing future military contracts.The deal includes an 8.5 percent wage increase over five years, but workers will pay a little more for their health insurance.Online:Oshkosh Corp.: http://www.oshkoshcorporation.com