Posted: Tue, Nov 6, 2007, 7:53 AM ET (1253 GMT)
Striking machinists at the Kennedy Space Center have reached an agreement with their employer, United Space Alliance, on a new contract. Members of International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Local 2061 ratified the new three-year contract on Sunday and will return to work this week. About 500 members of the union had been on strike since June, seeking higher pay and improved benefits; the final contract provided workers with much of the wage increases they sought, but only some of the benefits. The machinists are involved with shuttle operations at KSC, although USA officials said their absence during the strike had not adversely affected shuttle safety.

Related Links:

•  Florida Today article
•  Orlando Sentinel article
•  WFTV Orlando article
•  Central Florida News 13 article
•  USA press release