CHARLESTON, Ill. (WCIA) — After nine months of negotiations, AFSCME union employees have approved a new contract with Eastern Illinois University.

At worksite meetings Wednesday, union workers “overwhelmingly” voted to approve the new four-year contract, according to a news release from the union. A tentative agreement was announced earlier this month.

All wages covered in the contract will increase between 15 to 24% over the next four years. Now, the lowest paid employees will have their wages start at $16 per hour, a 13% increase.

Other items included in the contract include four weeks of paid parental leave, more harassment protections, and stronger support to work remote for applicable employees.

“For nine months, we stayed united and fought hard for long overdue wage increases and crucial benefits for ourselves and our families. Together we won an agreement that takes important steps in the right direction,” Kim Pope, an office manager in the EIU College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, and the president of AFSCME Local 981, said. “We’re committed to supporting students and the whole campus community. This contract will allow us to keep doing that, by ensuring the improved wages and benefits we deserve.”

AFSCME leaders said they are fighting for better benefits for every university employee.

“When state universities are good places to work, they’re better places to learn,” AFSCME Council 31 Executive Director Roberta Lynch said.

The Board of Trustees at EIU will vote to approve the agreement at their next meeting in April.

Around 180 EIU employees are representing the union, including building service workers, clerical, food service and other workers.

EIU officials said they are pleased by the contract. They note it’s the largest proposed wage increase for AFSCME employees in recent history.

“The EIU administration is grateful for the successful contracts which underscore the commitment of AFSCME members and their many contributions to our students, neighbors and the overall mission of EIU,” Amie Calvert, the Employee & Labor Relations Director for Eastern Illinois University said in a statement.