Grocery workers union calls for strike authorization vote

The contract with the parents of Ralphs, Vons and Albertsons expired March 6, and since then it's been extended on a day-to-day basis. But union officials say no progress has been made. "Management has yet to offer any significant proposals regarding pay or health care," said Rick Icaza, president of United Food and Commercial Workers Local 770. A strike authorization would allow union leaders to call for a walkout if negotiations broke down, but more than that, it would be a call to arms. Still, I'd be surprised if they weren't able to cut a deal. This is not a great time to be striking.