A 9-week-old strike at an Auburn natural foods distribution warehouse has ended with Teamsters Union members ratifying a new contract Thursday night.

The five-year deal with United Natural Foods Inc.  provides increased benefits and wages for union members, said the union, Local 117.

All striking workers are expected to return to work soon.  The company had hired replacement workers during the strike.

Both the union and the company have agreed to withdraw pending unfair labor practice claims as part of the settlement.

“UNFI is pleased to welcome back our associates,” said Sean Griffin, UNFI Group president.  “We appreciated the hard work and diligence of the negotiating teams and mediator in reaching a fair and equitable agreement and now look to move forward together as a company.”

“Workers at UNFI stood together courageously in difficult conditions to fight for dignity and respect,” said Tracey  Thompson, secretary-treasurer of Local 117. “With the help of our community partners and a strong bargaining committee, workers were able to achieve a fair and just contract.”