The contract gave the union a much improved health plan, however.

The contract also gives teachers one preparation period a day.

The university said its contract gave the company all rights to the research and to any results it might yield.

The third contract would give no raise the first year and 4 percent raises the final two.

"The contracts we got from the city gave us an opportunity to work on all sorts of things."

Union members haven't done as well since their 1982 contracts gave them 3.6 percent annual increases.

"The standard contract gives them a certain authority over you and your actions."

And the contract does not give any teachers, no matter how long they have worked at the school, a way to earn tenure.

I wanted to end my career here, and this contract gives me the opportunity.

The contracts give workers wage increases over the next three years of 10.5 percent.