Union ratifies state pay plan

HELENA, Mont. (AP) The state employee labor unions say their members have ratified a proposed pay plan negotiated with the governor's office.

The plan calls for a general pay freeze for state workers.

The state will, however, increase its payment toward the cost of health insurance. And full-time employees paid under $45,000 a year would get a one-time bonus of $450. Those earning more would not receive the payment.

The agreement covers the next two years, and covers employees in the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees, the Montana Public Employees Association, and the MEA-MFT unions.

The proposal now must be approved by the Legislature.