ATHENS, Ohio (WSAZ) -- Union workers at Ohio University have rejected a proposed one year extension of their contract.

The vote by members of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees was 258 to 74 opposing the contract.

Ohio University announced the results and said it now "intends to enter into full negotiations" with the union "to develop a successor agreement." They say the negotiations will begin next month.

The current contract expires on March 1.

The university says the extension that was voted down would have provided "wage increases to equal the classified annual wage pool when annual wage increases are offered."

Also rejected, "Bargaining unit employees would assume the same deductibles and drug co-payments as everyone else."

AFSCME Local 1699 represents about 600 skilled trades and service employees at the Athens, Zanesville and Chillicothe campuses.