Bus drivers and other Grand River Transit workers are preparing to vote on a new tentative agreement reached by their union and the Region of Waterloo.

The vote is set to take place Thursday.

The region announced late Tuesday that a second tentative agreement had been reached. The two sides sat down Tuesday morning for the first time since talks broke off on Jan. 22.

Workers including bus drivers, dispatchers, fleet mechanics and service attendants have been on strike since Jan. 21. That job action came after workers rejected a previous tentative agreement in a vote on Jan. 19.

The union, Unifor Local 4304, has said wages, safety and discipline are among the concerns workers have in these contract negotiations.

Workers' concerns 'clearly heard'

In a statement, regional officials said they appreciate "the public's patience and understanding as we work towards getting the buses back in service."

Unifor's national president Jerry Dias issued a statement thanking the bargaining team for their work.

"Members were united in their call to improve safety and working conditions. That message was clearly heard," Dias said.

Local 4304 president Tim Jewell also thanked the public for their patience.

"We look forward to settling this dispute in order to return to serving the people of Waterloo region," Jewell said in the statement.

If the tentative agreement passes a ratification vote on Thursday, the region says it will convene a special council meeting "as soon as possible" afterwards.