More than 1,200 Teamsters Local 743 members working at the University of Chicago Medical Center have a new four-year contract after a majority vote to accept the agreement on Sept. 6.

The final vote of 465-422 enabled the unit of clerical workers and service and maintenance staff to avoid a strike at the medical center. Members had previously rejected a final offer from management on Aug. 6 by an overwhelmingly majority of seven-to-one.

“The members at the University of Chicago Medical Center have had their say for a new contract,” said Donnie Von Moore, President of Local 743. “Our bargaining unit negotiated in good faith, and the local is pleased that management and the membership were able to reach an agreement and ratify the contract for the next four years.”

The new deal includes wage increases for the length of the contract, as well as improved premium pay for weekend work. Revised grievance language and clarified health and welfare benefits were all positive changes to the medical center’s updated offer. The 1,200-worker unit—one of Local 743’s largest—also has access to a broad benefits package that the local fought to uphold, including retirement contributions, life insurance, vision and dental care, disability benefits and tuition reductions at the University of Chicago.

The new contract will expire in 2015.