A FEDERAL MEDIATOR has been called into negotiations between United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 555, based in Eugene, Ore., and three area chains. The union said it has been negotiating solely with Albertson's, Boise, Idaho, although the contract up for renewal also covers workers at Portland, Ore.-based Fred Meyer Inc. and the Oregon division of Safeway, Pleasanton, Calif. The next negotiation sessions are slated for Sept. 2, when the union said it has scheduled a two-day meeting with Albertson's. At issue is a contract that expired Feb. 14 covering 1,100 clerks and meatcutters at the three chains.
quarter and comparable-store sales rose 4.4%. Net income was up 158% to $80 million, or 16 cents per share, for the quarter and 182% to $127 million, or 26 cents per share, for the half. Kmart said earnings reflected a nonrecurring after-tax charge of $13 million relating to a voluntary early retirement program in the company's distribution centers that was accepted by slightly more than 400 employees.
FOOD 4 LESS SUPERMARKETS, Los Angeles, is celebrating its 10-year anniversary in southern California. The warehouse store operator is marking the occasion by launching an in-store sweepstakes that will give away 140 prizes through Sept. 8 -- 28 a week for five weeks.
