P.M. BRIEFING : McDonnell Douglas Pact OKd

ST. LOUIS — Members of the largest union at McDonnell Douglas Corp. Sunday night approved a new three-year contract at the aerospace-defense giant, averting a strike that union officials said appeared almost certain a week ago.

Union members voted to accept the contract 5,379 to 2,463, said Cassell Williams, president of the International Assn. of Machinists and Aerospace Workers District 837.

Under the new contract, workers are guaranteed a 5 1/2% pay increase in the first year, followed by two annual raises of 3% each, Williams said. In addition, workers will get a 4% salary bonus each year, he said.

Hourly wages now average $14, Williams said.

“We’re happy that we don’t have to strike, but we’re unhappy about not getting more,” Williams said. “We would have liked to have gotten more money for our retirees, and we would have liked to increased benefits in our insurance and savings plans.”