FOX 21 News, KQDS-DT

HIBBING - The United Steel Workers have ratified a 37 month contract with Cliff Natural Resources. It covers employees at Hibbing Taconite, United Taconite, Empire Iron Mining Partnership and the Tilden Mining Company.

The union and CNR reached the agreement last month and have been conducting the ratification process over the past three weeks.

The new contract provides 4.5% wage increases, with an additional $4,250 in bonuses through the term of the agreement.

It also preserves the current health care for active members.

USW represents about 850,000 workers.