? Sikorsky workers narrowly accepted the Stratford-based aircraft maker?s latest contract offer Sunday, ending a 42-day strike.

Union members voted 1,488 to 1,416 in favor of the deal, which insiders say closely resembles the offer members rejected six weeks ago. Workers started voting in shifts at the Local 1150 headquarters at 10 a.m. Many say they believe the union will work with Sikorsky to fine tune the deal, but Sikorsky officials say the contract was its best and final offer. The deal includes a $3,000 bonus, 3.5 percent raises, an average salary of $60,000 and pension increases. However, workers still object to the health care plan, which they say requires them to pay 20 percent of their bills.

About 3,500 union members went on strike February 20. Sikorsky planned to outsource work to keep up with the demand for military helicopter parts, now workers will return to the Stratford facility starting Wednesday. Governor Jodi Rell (R-CT) and other Connecticut leaders say they are glad the labor dispute is over.

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