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Steelworkers Approve Cliffs Deal

DULUTH, Minn. (AP) — Cliffs Natural Resources says members of the United Steelworkers of America have approved a contract that negotiators agreed to last month.

The Cleveland-based company said Friday that all local union memberships representing workers in Minnesota and Michigan ratified the new three-year contract.

The contract covers about 2,400 Steelworkers at Cliffs' Empire and Tilden mines in Michigan, and United Taconite and Hibbing Taconite mines in Minnesota.

The Duluth News Tribune reports the deal includes a 4.5 percent wage increase and a $4,250 bonus through the term of the agreement. Union officials say the contract also preserves current health care for active members and retirees.

Members of the United Steelworkers approved a new three-year contract with U.S. Steel in September. Union members ratified a three-year contract with ArcelorMittal USA last month.

(© Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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