IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) – Gov. Terry Branstad’s administration says 3,200 union workers are expected to be reimbursed for years of meal expenses that were improperly cut. After lengthy negotiations with the state’s largest union, the Department of Administrative Services agreed last week to refund meal reimbursements that were cut in August 2011.

A department spokesman tells The Associated Press that the deal with the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees is expected to cost nearly $1.5 million. The state has already reimbursed members of two other unions nearly $250,000 under prior settlements.

AFSCME Council 61 President Danny Homan said Friday that checks might go out in February after the reimbursements are calculated. Homan says employees who traveled every day – such as motor vehicle enforcement officers – might receive $2,500 or more.