Members of the Communications Workers of America Local 4501 voted this week to approve the contract agreement reached between union leaders and university officials by a margin of nearly five to one.

Ohio State and CWA leaders announced Thursday night at the Longaberger Alumni House that the contract was ratified by a vote of 992 to 225.

“We are absolutely delighted that the CWA members voted to ratify this agreement,” said Cathy Cooper, OSU director of labor relations and the university’s lead negotiator.

The 1,900-member union returned to work Monday morning after three weeks of striking and voted on the issue Tuesday through Thursday.

Gary Josephson, president of the CWA local 4501, said he was pleased with the membership’s approval of the agreement.

“This is a down payment on a better future for our members,” Josephson said. “The university realized that it neglected our workers for too long.”

Cooper said she agreed that the workers’ wages were an issue that needed to be addressed.

“They were really behind. It is our job to bring them to the market level,” she said.

Returning to work before the ratification was even voted on was part of the agreement reached between union and university leaders on May 18.

Some union workers were hesitant to return before the vote according to Josephson, but all were encouraged to return. There was little absenteeism reported during the week.

“It was quite tense this week for some of the workers. Many still felt there was more to gain from the university,” he said.

The union recognized all of the support it received from students, faculty and community leaders.

“It is extremely gratifying to receive so much support from everybody in the community. I’m sure that pushed us to reach this agreement,” Josephson said.

Union members and supporters gathered outside of the CWA union hall, 27 Euclid Ave., Thursday evening to await the final decision.

“We are here to celebrate the CWA’s agreement. We feel there is a very good relationship we have with these people. We know each other by name,” said Claudio Fogu, assistant professor of history.

Darlene Calloway, admissions clerk at the OSU Medical Center, was not part of the bargaining unit but was still an active supporter of the CWA.

“It was the principle of it,” Calloway said. “I just feel strongly that you can’t just keep stepping on people who don’t make as much money as you.

“I’m not going to jump up and shout victory, but I’d call this a truce,” she said.

The agreement provides $22.5 million over the three-year term of the contract, said Elizabeth Conlisk, university spokeswoman.