Workers to vote on new supermarket pact. But what are they voting for?

Got me. Grocery workers won't not have much time to look at the proposed contract with the three big supermarket chains, much less debate the pluses and minuses. It's been five days since the deal was struck, and specific terms have yet to be presented to members of the United Commercial and Workers Union. All they've been told is that it's a good deal. In other words, just vote yes. They'll get their first look at the contract when they cast their ballots today and Saturday. Actually, they'll probably be looking at a carefully worded summary of the contract, a summary that presents the package in the best possible union light. It's a remarkably cavalier way of treating thousands of people who just a few days ago were willing to walk off their jobs - and jeopardize their livelihoods. Not all unions treat their people with so little regard; after the Writers Guild worked out a deal with the studios and networks, the proposed contract was made available and a healthy online debate ensued about the merits of the pact. There was never much doubt about ratification, but the back-and-worth was instructive and provided members with a better sense of what they were voting for. Too bad UFCW officials didn't offer the same respect to their members.

SoCal grocery workers vote on pact with markets (AP)