NORTHGATE <NGX> QUEBEC WORKERS END STRIKE Northgate Exploration Ltd said hourly-paid workers at its two Chibougamau, Quebec, mines voted on the weekend to accept a three-year contract offer and returned to work today after a one-month strike. It said the workers, represented by United Steelworkers of America, would receive a 1.21-dlr-an-hour pay raise over the life of the new contract and improved benefits. Northgate, which produced 23,400 ounces of gold in first quarter, said that while the strike slowed production, "We are still looking forward to a very satisfactory performance." The Chibougamau mines produced 81,500 ounces of gold last year.