Grocers, Union Talks Expected to Run Through Weekend

Negotiations to end the California supermarket strike and lockout continued through the day Friday and were expected to run through the weekend, according to John Arnold, a spokesman for federal mediator Peter J. Hurtgen, who is overseeing the talks.

Arnold declined to characterize the tone of the talks but said the continuation to a fourth day was a positive sign. Spokespeople for the grocery chains and union would not comment, citing Hurtgen’s request for a media blackout.

In mid-October, the United Food and Commercial Workers union launched a strike against Safeway Inc.-owned Vons and Pavilions stores. Kroger Co.-owned Ralphs and Albertsons Inc. locked out their union workers the next day.

The strike was called over the employers’ proposal to reduce health benefits and create a permanent lower wage scale for new hires. The companies have said they needed the concessions to compete with nonunion grocers.

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-- Nancy Cleeland