CONCORD, N.H. – The union representing most of New Hampshire’s state workers reached a tentative agreement Friday on a new contract with the state.

Diana Lacey, chairwoman of the State Employees’ Association bargaining team, declined to give details of the agreement because the union’s senate had not seen it, but she said the deal lays a better foundation for future negotiations.

“It makes a commitment that we are all working together in recognition of the economic crisis,” she said.

Colin Manning, spokesman for Gov. John Lynch, said the governor was pleased an agreement had been reached.

“This agreement includes innovative programs to promote employee health and wellness and will reduce health care costs for state employees and save taxpayers money,” he said.

If ratified, the agreement would be in effect until June 30, 2011. Lacey said negotiations for the next contract begin in the fall.

The union declared an impasse last month and asked the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service to help it reach an agreement. Union officials said mediators made the difference.

The union will take the deal to the union’s bargaining senate Wednesday night .