Unionized technicians ended their longest strike since 1975 when they voted Sept. 26 to ratify a new four-year collective bargaining agreement. Work had stopped Aug. 1 when the previous pact expired.

More than 800 technicians initially walked off the job at 56 area new-car dealerships. About 600 mechanics at 35 dealerships remained on strike until the vote after 21 dealerships broke ranks with the New Car Dealer Committee and signed deals with the union during the course of the eight-week walkout.

At issue were such matters as base pay guarantee for technicians and dealership contributions to the union’s health and welfare fund.

Dealers at nonunionized stores who are interested in details of the new contract should contact Chris Konecki, the CATA’s executive vice president, at ckonecki@drivechicago.com.