California grocers, labor gloomy on contract talks, unions for 65,000 workers set a deadline of Thur

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.reuters.com/article/consumerproducts-SP/idUSN1842885220070619

California grocers, labor gloomy on contract talks
Mon Jun 18, 2007 8:41PM EDT

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Labor unions and three major supermarket chains in southern California expressed doubts on Monday about reaching an agreement on a new contract as a union-imposed deadline expires later this week.

The unions for 65,000 workers set a deadline of Thursday at midday to end negotiations on a contract that was originally set to expire in March. The union will either advise its members to accept whatever proposal is on the table or vote to authorize a strike.

"I hope, we all hope, there's a deal we can recommend to our members," said Mike Shimpock, spokesperson for the seven unions involved in negotiations on Monday. "Unfortunately, that looks like that's not going to happen."

Representatives of the groceries also said they believe an agreement by Thursday is not likely, according to Adena Tessler, spokesperson for Safeway Inc.'s Vons and Pavilions units, Kroger Co.'s Ralphs chain and Supervalu Inc.'s Albertsons stores.

"These are very important and complex issues being discussed," Tessler said.

"We're not going to be rushed into agreeing to a bad contract if it's not in the best interest of our employees or our companies."

FULL story at link.

[Phredicles]

1. Oh goodie, another X months of buying groceries only from Trader Joe and Gelson's

Not that I'd want the grocery workers to accept a screw job as the stores want, or even to have to throw new workers under the bus as happened last time around. But how is it okay for the stores to be in cahoots with each other like this? As so often, I'm wondering once again when the anti-trust laws from the Teddy Roosevelt era were repealed.:grr: