WEST HARTFORD, Conn. -- UAW Local 376 members at Colt Mfg. have overwhelmingly ratified a new two-year agreement that will give them wage increases and protect them against jobs being subcontracted out.

The agreement covers 376 members of the amalgamated local. About one-third of the workers produce handguns, and the remainder are employed to manufacture rifles and machine guns for military use.

The contract replaces an agreement that had been previously extended but was to set to expire March 31. It includes a $500 signing bonus, a 2.5 percent wage increase during the first year of the contract and a 3 percent increase in the second year.

"I think we did well given the circumstances under which the company is operating. I am very happy with what we negotiated for our members. They work hard and they deserve a good contract, and that's what we got," said UAW Local 376 President Carmen Burnham.

"Our membership prides itself on the fact that we produce the finest firearms in the world, and we are committed to keeping jobs here and contributing to the continued success of Colt," said Mike Holmes, UAW Local 376 shop chair.

"Every lost job affects workers and communities, and a huge issue in these talks was that our members did not want to see any jobs disappear," said UAW Region 9A Director Julie Kushner. "Being able to save jobs allows members to continue producing quality goods that support their families, community and our country."