Mississippi shipyard contract extended

Northrop Grumman's Pascagoula, Mississippi shipyard reached agreement on a two year contract extension with various labor organizations representing employees. The current agreement, reached after a month long strike in 2007 was set to expire in March 2010. Key benefits are wage increases each year and a $1,000 ratification bonus. Employee contributions for monthly health insurance premiums will not rise over the course of the extension.