The members of California's largest public employee union overwhelmingly ratified a long awaited contract with the administration of Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and the state today.

The 95,000-member Service Employees International Union Local 1000 approved the deal, which includes reforms to employee pensions, with 75 percent of those casting ballots in favor, according to the union. The previous contract expired in July 2008.

In a released statement, SEIU Local 1000 President Yvonne Walker said, "I'm proud that our members chose the stability of this contract over the uncertainty we would have faced had we not ratified it," adding, "We've done our part to get the state through this unprecedented budget crisis. This is the worst recession in more than eight decades and our members stepped up and made temporary sacrifices to help California and keep CalPERS strong. But through this agreement, we are ensuring our long-term security."

The contract includes reduced pensions for new employees and increased pension contributions for current employees, among other provisions. The agreement saves the state $383 million in this fiscal year, according to the governor's office.

The administration and six other public employee unions agreed to similar terms earlier this year. Six of the state's 21 bargaining units are still without a contract, including prison guards, attorneys, scientists and engineers.