Nation IN BRIEF : MONTANA : New Pay Proposal Could Halt Strike

Democratic legislators and Republican Gov. Stan Stephens compromised on a pay plan that could end a five-day strike by 5,000 Montana state workers. Stephens said he would sign the bill as soon as it reached his desk, most likely today. Striking state employees included highway patrol officers, prison guards, clerical workers and institutional attendants. More than 700 National Guard troops continued to fill in for striking workers at the state prison in Deer Lodge and several other state institutions. Administrators reported no serious disruptions. Democrats said the new pay package would cost about $34 million over two years. Stephens originally proposed a $28-million plan.