Maryland higher education employees have voted to ratify a statewide union contract for nine public universities in the state. The agreement would be the second-largest collective bargaining agreement in the state and would cover both hourly and salaried workers. A spokesperson for the University System of Maryland says the proposed contact will go before the Board of Regents next week. Among other features, the agreement makes contract workers eligible for health and other benefits after two years. Employees would also receive merit pay raises and would be able to donate sick time to other employees.