SUDBURY -- The mining firm Vale and the Steelworkers Union Local 6500 have reached a tentative deal to extend their current contract for one year.

The current deal is set to expire May 31.

Both the union and company say this allows the focus to remain on the health and safety of workers and their families during the COVID-19 crisis.

Voting on this tentative deal will be done online or by phone and members will get information on that in the coming days.