Avoiding a strike that was set to start this week, City Colleges of Chicago has reached a tentative contract agreement with the negotiating teams representing faculty and staff, Cook County College Teachers Union President Tony Johnston said.

The agreement was reached around 11 p.m. Sunday, after negotiations began at 9 a.m., he said. The union held a strike rally Thursday and a strike was set to begin Wednesday.

The language of the tentative contract has not been released; it will be sent to CCCTU members by Tuesday, Johnston said. The union’s rank and file must still approve the new contract, but the strike has been called off, CCCTU said.

“We’re happy with the tentative agreement,” Johnston said.

Contracts for faculty and professional staff had expired in July. According to a news release from CCCTU, the new contract would last for four years and includes smaller class sizes, salary increases in line with economic conditions and provides wraparound services for students.

A representative for City Colleges said the tentative agreement “ensures our students receive a high-quality educational experience and recognizes the hard work of our faculty and staff.” Classes for the seven colleges will continue as normal this week.

Next steps for CCCTU include holding information sessions with members, then putting the contract to a ratification vote, which Johnston expects to occur before Thanksgiving.

The contract would then be sent to City Colleges to be approved by the board of trustees at its December meeting, he said.

mellis@chicagotribune.com