Kellogg reaches tentative agreement with union

A two-month-long worker strike against Kellogg may be nearing an end. The food maker behind brands like Corn Flakes and Raisin Bran said Thursday it has reached a tentative agreement with the union on a new five-year contract.

That deal includes wage hikes and benefits for all employees and better terms for temporary workers at a few breakfast-cereal plants in the U.S. It also allows temporary workers to move to permanent positions with better pay and benefits. Members had opposed that two-tier system that didn't offer temporary workers a pathway to become permanent staff.

Kellogg shares rose in early trading Thursday. Employers will vote on the new deal on Sunday.

The strike began October 5 after their contracts expired. Negotiations stalled between the company and its 1400 union members.

As the labor market tightens, emboldened workers have struck against several major U.S. companies. Just last month, tractor maker Deere reached an agreement with its unionized workers, putting an end to a six-week strike.