The union representing Metro Transit bus and rail operators overwhelmingly approved a new two-year contract extension Monday, which includes a two-year wage freeze. The approval passed with 78 percent of the vote.

The agreement still needs approval from the Metropolitan Council, which oversees Metro Transit. The deal also includes increases in insurance costs between the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 1005 and the Met Council. 

The ATU represents about 2,200 Metro Transit employees, including mechanics and clerical employees.

“Everyone recognizes that health care costs continue to rise at a rate much higher than inflation,” said Patrick Born, the Met Council’s Regional Administrator in a release. “As a result, the agreement establishes a labor management committee that will further explore health care design and costs.”