UPDATED: 4:20 p.m.

Transit drivers stood outside the Coast Capri in Kelowna Wednesday after the union voted to accept First Canada's offer, sending them back to work. Two of them were talking on the phone with their dispatcher, sorting out what shifts they can take Thursday morning.

“I need OT,” one said.

The drivers have been off the job since Nov. 10, when the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1722 went on strike, calling for, among other things, the same pay scale regardless of bus size and an improved RRSP package.

A tentative deal was reached Tuesday, which was ratified at the union meeting just before 3 p.m. Wednesday.

“None of our drivers wanted to be on strike, it's not that we wanted to strike, it's just that we had no choice,” said one driver, who did not give his name. “Was it the perfect deal? No, but I think holding out for something better was not going to be an option.”

The details of the contract have yet to be disclosed, but wage equality for different sized buses was reportedly a main part of the deal.

A one per cent raise in the first year, followed by a 0.75 per cent raise the following year was also reportedly included.

The three-year contract, which takes effect retroactively from April 1, will remain in effect until 2019.

“We'll be back at this again in two-and-a-half years,” the driver said.

UPDATE: 3:10 p.m.

Transit workers have accepted the offer.

Just over 60 per cent of striking employees agreed to the offer from operator First Canada – with 108 saying yes and 69 saying no.

According to the union, the buses will hit the road first thing Thursday morning.

ORIGINAL: 8:35 a.m.

Transit workers vote on a deal this morning that would see an end to the two-week-old strike.

The deal is endorsed by the leadership of the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1722. If union members endorse the tentative contract, buses are expected to be running again by Thursday.

A vote is expected to happen at about 11 a.m.

“In order to bring it to the membership, the negotiating committee has to recommend it... There has been substantial enough movement that it would be inappropriate not to bring it to the membership to review,” said union president Scott Lovell.

The Kelowna Transit operator, First Canada, said they appreciate the patience during the work stoppage.

“We sincerely regret the inconvenience to our valued customers for the interruption of transit services, and we look forward to working with our employees as we restore this vital community service," said John Peck, First Canada regional vice-president.