A tentative deal has been reached to end a five-week-old strike by New Brunswick's college custodians, corrections officers and human service counsellors.

Human Resources Minister Wally Stiles announced the tentative deal on Wednesday as the legislature met to consider back-to-work legislation, which was first announced on Monday.

The Canadian Union of Public Employees Local 1251, which includes about 500 community college custodians, corrections officers and Department of Social Development counsellors, went on strike on Jan. 10.

The tentative agreement was reached about 4 a.m. Wednesday, Stiles said.

Louis Arseneau, president of CUPE Local 1251, confirmed the union had agreed to the deal, but said it was under the pressure of the proposed back-to-work legislation.

"We don't feel it was a free and wide-open negotiation," said Arseneau. "As soon as they start speaking about legislation, your hands are tied. That's it. It's done with. You start dancing whatever dance they want."

The union had been asking for a wage increase that would put New Brunswick's workers on par with people in similar jobs in other provinces.

While only 20 per cent of the jail guards have been off the job because the work is deemed an essential service, the striking custodians have caused a major disruption on college campuses.

The labour dispute has forced the cancellation of classes at 10 of the province's 11 community college campuses because of dirty classrooms and washrooms.

To save the students' semester, the government had to get tough, said Stiles.

"We're concerned about the 6,000 students in the community colleges," Stiles said. "We want these students back in the classroom. We want them to finish their year."

The agreement still must be approved by the CUPE membership, Stiles said. There will be a media blackout on the details of the agreement until after members have an opportunity to vote on Thursday, he said.

The legislature will sit on Friday to discuss back-to-work legislation if the union rejects the deal, the minister said.

College classes are tentatively scheduled to resume on Monday.

With files from the Canadian Press