SoCal union authorizes strike

LOS ANGELES According to reports, members of the United Food and Commercial Workers union in Southern California voted to strike if a contract agreement isn't reached between the union and officials of Safeway, Kroger and SuperValu. When the companies failed to meet the union's demand for a contract offer by June 21, workers at Vons, Pavilions and Ralphs stores agreed to a walk out.

The strike could take place as early as June 29, reports indicate.