Kellogg Co. and the union representing striking workers at its U.S. breakfast cereal plants have reached a tentative agreement on a new five-year contract that could pave the way for the employees to return to work two days after Christmas. The 1,400 workers have been on strike since Oct. 5 and earlier this month overwhelmingly rejected the last tentative deal after which Kellogg said it would permanently replace the striking workers, a move criticized by U.S. President Joe Biden. The union said on Thursday progress has been made on a few key issues from the previous proposal, including increases in the cost of living wages and removal of the term “legacy employee.” “Transitional employees have an accelerated, defined path to legacy wages and benefits as compared to the current contract,” Kellogg said. Voting on the new deal will be held on Sunday and votes will be counted in Kingston, Maryland …