Local 237’s Citywide Division members voted to ratify the new contract April 28. Of the 4,672 ballots returned by members, 4,161 — about 90 percent — were marked “Yes I accept,” in favor of the proposed collective bargaining agreement, which covers the period from April 1, 2002, to August 6, 2005.

“This majority vote clearly indicates that members agreed with the approach we took to protect the unborn while holding onto our hardwon benefits,” said President Carl Haynes.

Highlights of the new contract are as follows:

• One-time $1,000 lump sum cash payment per employee upon ratification;

• Retroactive general wage increase of 3 percent beginning April 1, 2003;

• Compounded wage increase of 1.75 percent effective April 1, 2004.

The union has calculated that for the average member, who earned $30,000 a year under the last contract, the new contract will provide an additional base pay raise of about $1,440 annually, plus the $1,000 bonus.

The contract affects 8,000 workers in New York City agencies, the Health and Hospitals Corporation and the Department of Education, who have been without a contract since April 1, 2002.

Employees hired after April 1, 2005, will start with 13 percent less than the incumbent minimum salary during the first year of service; and 10 percent less on their first-year anniversary. All Citywide members receive the same vacation, holiday and benefits package.

“Now that we have this contract behind us,” said Haynes enthusiastically, “we’re ready with a clean slate to begin negotiations for the next contract beginning in September.”