AUGUSTA -- About 1,000 workers employed at the state prison and the state's two psychiatric hospitals have agreed to a new contract that provides for no wage increases, the state Bureau of Human Resources director said Tuesday.

The workers, represented by the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, ratified the contract Monday night, said Alicia Kellogg, state human resources director.

Officials from the employee union did not return calls seeking comment.

The state agreed to reopen wage negotiations next July in case the economy improves, Kellogg said. "We owe it to our employees to give them that look," she said.

Three other state worker contracts that would replace agreements that expired Tuesday have not yet been finalized. The state is still bargaining with state troopers, forest rangers and marine patrol officers, and the nearly 10,000 executive branch workers represented by the Maine State Employees Association.

Meetings with the MSEA are scheduled for today and Thursday. A mediator has been called in to handle the negotiations.

"I think things are going well," Kellogg said. "We're making progress."

Union Executive Director Tim Belcher said he could not comment on negotiations because they are in mediation. He referred calls to MSEA President Bruce Hodsdon, who did not return a call seeking comment.

The sides have agreed to extend the current contract for one month, Kellogg said.

In early June, more than 100 state workers marched outside the Blaine House to push for certain contract provisions, including a no-layoff guarantee.

Many workers said they were upset the Legislature and Gov. John Baldacci changed the terms of their contract in the state budget, rather than through negotiations.

The budget has 20 shutdown days over two years, freezes merit pay and takes back money normally awarded to longtime employees through longevity payments. Also, state employees will be required to pay a portion of their own health insurance.

Susan Cover -- 620-7015

scover@centralmaine.com