MEMPHIS, Tenn. - The United Steelworkers (USW) and International Paper announced today that they have ratified a four-year Master Agreement contract that covers some 6,000 workers.

"The USW is extremely proud of the progress made by our members in the paper sector," said USW International President Leo W. Gerard. "Strong leadership and solidarity at each of the locations was vital to reaching this agreement at IP. The success of our local unions here sets a precedent for bargaining in rest of the industry."

"We are pleased that we have reached an agreement that accomplishes International Paper's bargaining objectives and continues to reinforce and build on the positive working relationship we have established over the past several years," said Paul Karre, Senior Vice President, Human Resources and Communications, International Paper.

The new contract includes wage increases in each year of the agreement, improvements to the pension and 401(k), cost stabilization for health care costs and employment security.

USW members covered by this contact include those represented by local unions in Augusta, Ga.; Campti, La.; Pensacola, Fla.; Courtland, Ala.; Georgetown, S.C.; Pine Hill, Ala.; Port Hueneme, Calif.; Prattville, Ala; Riegelwood, N.C.; Savannah, Ga.; Selma, Ala.; Texarkana, Texas; Ticonderoga, N.Y.; Valliant, Okla.; and, Vicksburg Miss. The USW represents 850,000 workers in the U.S. and Canada employed in the industries of metals, rubber, chemicals, paper, oil refining and the service sector. Some 100,000 are employed in the paper and pulp sector.