Striking Kan. Machinists approve new contract

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) -- Members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers have approved a new contract that ends their month-long strike at Bombardier Learjet in Wichita.

Bombardier spokeswoman Peggy Gross says about 70 percent of the votes cast Saturday were in favor of the new five-year deal. Workers can return to their jobs as early as Monday.

The union represents about 825 workers at the plant and had recommended its members approve the contract.

Machinists walked off the job Oct. 8 after rejecting a five-year contract offer over the length of the proposal and an increase in health insurance costs.

The new deal includes no wage increase the first year and a 1 percent wage bump the next four years. It also comes with a signing bonus of $2,500.