The contract, which takes effect immediately, was approved by 93 percent of members who voted on Sunday morning at the University of Texas at Arlington’s Texas Hall. It covers more than 2,500 machinists, packers and forklift operators at the manufacturer.  See full story

UPDATE 14.Oct.13 Bell later issued this statement

Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, today announced it has reached a new collective bargaining agreement with the United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW), and UAW Local 218, which represents about 2,400 of the company’s production and manufacturing employees.

“I’m very pleased that UAW Local 218 and Bell Helicopter have worked together to successfully reach an agreement on a new contract,” said John L. Garrison, president and CEO of Bell Helicopter. “This contract allows us to continue to compete in the competitive, global marketplace – providing our customers with the differentiated, cost-competitive products they need to save lives and protect our freedoms.”

The members of UAW Local 218 ratified a five-year contract on October 13. Bell Helicopter has more than 10,500 employees worldwide.