ABC News writers ratify contract

ABC News employees belonging to the Writers Guild of America ratified a new labor agreement with Walt Disney Co.’s broadcast network.

The union said 79% voted in favor of the accord, which takes effect immediately and runs through February 2010. The 250 employees will get raises of 3.5% a year and bonuses of as much as $3,700, the guild said.

The accord with ABC news writers, who had worked without a contract since January 2005, comes as talks are stalled between striking television and film writers and studios.