Among the new wrinkles in the latest labor contract being offered to striking Wheatland Tube Co. workers is deferring part of their shared health-care costs.

Details of the tentative agreement between the company and striking United Steelworkers Local 1660 were outlined Friday. Union workers struck the company's Wheatland pipe and tube plant nearly five months ago after their previous contract expired. Local 1660 represents 470 production and maintenance workers at the plant.

On Wednesday, company and union leaders reached agreement on a three-year labor package. Unlike the last contract, which was rejected by workers on Sept. 14 in a 230 to 184 vote, this deal is being recommended by the union leadership. A ratification vote is scheduled for Sunday.

Terms of this latest package are the same as the old one except for the following major changes:

030509