House and Senate budget negotiators this evening agreed to raises for state workers, the first in six years.

The deal would provide a $1,400 pay hike for state employees who make less than $40,000 a year and $1,000 for those who earn more than that. In addition, bonuses of up to $600 would be available as merit incentives.

“This is a great day,” said Doug Martin, a lobbyist and spokesman for the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees. “Also, the way that they’ve structured these raises acknowledges that the great majority of state employees make less than $40,000 a year.”

Lawmakers are working through final differences in the state’s $74 billion spending plan. They have until Tuesday to reach a final deal to meet a constitutionally mandated cooling-off period before voting on Friday and adjourning on time for the scheduled end of the regular session.