PORTLAND (AP) – Bath Iron Works’ major machinists union voted Sunday in favor of a contract good through 2008, one many workers say contains more language that benefits workers than previous contracts with the shipbuilder.

During a meeting at the Cumberland County Civic Center, about 79 percent of the membership for Local S6 voted for the new contract, which was to go into effect at midnight on Monday.

“I think it’s some of the strongest language we’ve had in centuries,” said Mike Keenan, president of the Local S6. “There will be some things that need to be worked out once we go back next week, but I think through diligent effort we’ll get through it all.”

Among the changes in the new contract are new shift hours, new pay classifications for current workers and an increase in 401K and pension contributions. “I can’t speak enough over the incredible language we got in the contract,” Keenan said. “We’ve got very strong language which protects jobs.”