Learjet workers end month-long strike

Members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAMAW) voted 70 to 30 per cent in favour of an improved contract offer from the company on Saturday.

The union, which represents 825 employees at the site, had recommended the deal - even though a measly pay offer of 4 per cent over five years had not changed.

But union reps said the main concern of the striking workers had been proposed increases to their health insurance premiums - a key issue for staff in the US because the country lacks a health service free at the point of use.

The new offer from Learjet sees an employee's contribution to health insurance reduced from 30 to 20 per cent, while those who participate in the "wellness programme" which aims to promote healthy lifestyles see their contribution reduced to 15 per cent.

IAMAW said the difference will mean a $700 (£440) annual reduction for employees with single coverage and a whopping $2,300 (£1,450) in savings for those with family coverage compared with the company's previous offer.

The firm also coughed up a $2,500 (£1,570) sweetener for signing the new contracts, to be followed by another $1,000 (£630) in year two.

Still, reps said the deal was "not perfect" while member Michael Yarnal told a local paper that he wanted a better pay rise but had had to go back to work as his children lacked health insurance while he was on strike.