Md. Workers Approve 3-Year Contract With State

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) -- Maryland state workers have ratified a three-year contract that includes guaranteed pay raises and an end to furloughs. 

Members of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees voted 89 percent in favor of the contract Wednesday. The contract takes effect July 1. 

Included in the contract are a $750 bonus, guaranteed pay raises for the next three years and a salary-grade increase in 2014. The contract also ends the unpaid furloughs employees weathered during the last three years. 

Gov. Martin O'Malley praised the contract's approval Wednesday. 

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)