Strike looming for 20,000 Arizona grocery workers

PHOENIX (AP) - In about a week, workers at Fry's and Safeway in Arizona could be walking a picket line instead of stocking shelves and bagging groceries.

Both chains are in negotiations with the union that covers 20,000 workers.

United Food & Commercial Local 99 President Jim McLaughlin said in a note to the rank-and-file that a strike against one or more of the companies now appears likely.

The main stumbling block in getting a deal done is over health care. The companies have traditionally paid for their employees' health insurance and now want them to shoulder more of the cost.

Fry's Food Stores spokeswoman JoEllen Lynn said the company believes it has made a fair offer and is disappointed the union is now organizing for a strike.

The union represents most hourly workers at the two chains, including checkers, stockers, meat cutters, produce workers and others.