Shipbuilder offers contract extension

PASCAGOULA, Miss. - Northrop Grumman wants to extend the current labor contract with workers by two years, and in doing so, has offered a December bonus, two raises and no increase in health care coverage for workers during the two years. The unions have endorsed the proposal. Workers on each shift are expected to receive handouts explaining the terms when they go to work Monday. Union workers at the Ingalls, Avondale and Gulfport yards will have the Thanksgiving holidays to consider the offer. A vote is planned for Dec. 1. The current three-year contract is set to end in March. (Source: Sun Herald, 11/20/09)