By 9 p.m., AFSCME officials reported that the contract had been approved by 80 percent of voting members. The vote was conducted by mail, with ballots being sent to 3,150 AFSCME fair-share and voting members, according to an AFSCME news release.

The union does not report ballot returns concerning new contracts, AFSCME communications director Jennifer Lovaasen said. She said the ballot return rate for this vote was "high."

The contract will now go to the Board of Regents for approval.

The deal includes 2.25 percent wage increases for clerical and technical workers and 2.5 percent for healthcare workers. Also included are 2 and 2.4 percent step increases for a majority of the workers and $300 lump sum payments. Those who don't receive steps will receive an additional $300 lump sum payment.

The regents are next scheduled to meet on Nov. 8 and 9, according to their calendar . The new contract likely will be decided upon then, Lori Ann Vicich , communications director for the University's Office of Human Resources, said.

AFSCME workers have displayed frustration with the contract since they ended the strike.

"Workers approved this contract for the same reason we were forced back to work," Denise Osterholm , president of Duluth local 3801, said. "We're struggling to afford food, gas and housing."

University administration has maintained the same wage offer throughout the past few months, with the recent addition of the lump sum payments.

"We are pleased with this outcome," Vice President of Human Resources Carol Carrier said, "and grateful for the unique contributions that AFSCME workers make to the success of the University."

The vote marks the formal end of the longest, most expansive work stoppage in University history. Had the contract been rejected, the workers would have also motioned to strike within 10 days.