Talks continue in grocery labor dispute, but no deal reached

TACOMA -- A grocery store labor dispute continues in Western Washington as union leaders are still unhappy with pay and benefits proposed by several grocery store chains.

Union negotiators and company representatives met for several hours Thursday through Sunday as they tried to come to an agreement on a new contract.

Tens of thousands of union members voted to go on strike if a deal is not reached soon. Workers from QFC, Fred Meyer, Albertson’s and Safeway could announce a strike at any time giving the grocery companies 72 hours to come up with a new proposal.

Thousands of Boeing employees could also factor into the labor dispute, after unions representing Boeing workers issued a statement that they would honor an employee strike and take their money to other grocery stores.

Thurston and Mason County grocery stores workers will vote on whether or not to join in this dispute. Workers in King, Snohomish, Pierce and Kitsap counties are already involved.

The two sides plan to meet again on Wednesday, Oct 14.